Winter can be a stark, dreary time. Forcing spring blooming bulbs is one way of introducing a hint of spring time into your surroundings. Spring blooming plants that can be grown inside include tulips, daffodils, Paperwhite narcissus and crocuses. One of the easiest plants to force is the Paperwhite narcissus because they do not require a period of cold storage before growing. Paperwhites are members of the Narcissus family (think daffodils) and produce tall (12 to 18 inch) stems with a cluster of white, pale yellow or orange flowers.
This article describes the steps involved in selecting bulbs, planting them and caring for the blooming plant.
How to Select the Best Bulbs
Bulbs can be purchased at garden nurseries or on line. If shopping locally, pick the largest, firmest bulbs. Remember that the bulb is the powerhouse storing food for the forthcoming plant. Therefore avoid small, damaged bulbs.
How to Plant the Bulbs
These bulbs can be set in stones, gravel or soil. The prettiest way to plant them is to use a shallow glass dish and some decorative stones. The glass container should not have drainage holes. Fill the glass dish part of the way with clean stones. Place the bulbs, pointy end up, in the stones. Because the stones are the anchors for the bulbs make sure that they are securely placed. Place several bulbs close to together because crowding is not a problem and the end result will be very pretty. The glass dish will allow the gardener to see how the roots grow.
Fill the dish with water to the bottom of the bulbs. Too much water will just promote rot. Maintain the water level to the bottom of the bulbs. Place the dish in a cool, dark place for one to two weeks. When the roots are evident and a shoot has begun to sprout, move the dish to a sunny spot. In four to six weeks, the plants will bloom. The blooms should last a couple of weeks. It may be necessary to stake the stalks as the plants have a tendency to flop over.
It is also possible to use soil as a medium for growing Paperwhites. In this case, use a container with drainage holes. Place a layer of small stones or gravel on the bottom of the pot, then a layer of potting soil. Make sure to use potting soil that offers good drainage. Place the bulbs in the soil leaving the upper portion or neck of the bulb above the soil line. Water the bulbs thoroughly and place the container in a cool dark spot until a shoot appears. Then move the plant to a sunny area. Continue to water when the soil becomes dry. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not overly wet.
When the plants have finished blooming gradually reduce the water provided. When the foliage has withered cut it off and take out the bulbs. Clean off any remaining soil and set the bulbs to dry. The bulbs can be repotted next year but they will not produce blooms again for several years.
Paperwhites offer a wonderful reminder of sunny days to come during the dark winter days. They are an easy, pleasing plant to grow for gardeners with the brownest of thumbs.
Michele Dane - I have more than 25 years in strategic planning for healthcare, social service and not-for-profit organizations. In this capacity, I ...
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