Enjoy the fragrant blooms of paperwhites indoors this winter! This guide provides easy steps for growing these beautiful bulbs and forcing them to bloom for the holidays.
Paperwhites are truly the no-fuss darlings of the bulb world. They require minimal preparation and are virtually foolproof when it comes to blooming. Once planted, you can expect fragrant flowers to emerge in 4 to 6 weeks with remarkable consistency.
Choosing Your PaperwhitesBefore you start planting, you’ll need to select some healthy bulbs. Look for bulbs that are firm to the touch, with no signs of mold or damage.
Choose a Container A clear glass vase, bowl, or even a decorative jar works well.
Add a BaseFill the container with a layer of decorative stones or pebbles. This will help anchor the bulbs and provide stability.
Position the Bulbs Place the bulbs, root side down, on top of the stones. Make sure they’re not too crowded.
Add WaterCarefully pour in water until it just reaches the base of the bulbs. Don’t let the water touch the bulbs themselves, as this can cause them to rot.
Prevent TopplingAs the paperwhites grow, they can become top-heavy. To prevent them from toppling over, you can stake them or use a shorter container.
Follow along to learn more about how to grow paperwhites.