How to Grow Paperwhite Narcissus

Grow paperwhites indoors in a shallow pot or bowl (3-4 inches deep) without drainage holes. Fill the pot with small, loose stones. Gently place upright paperwhite bulbs into the container, pressing them into the stones. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bulbs.

Can you plant paperwhites in soil?
Do paperwhites come back every year?
Can you regrow paperwhites?
How do you take care of a Paperwhite plant?
How do you force paperwhites for Christmas?
Can Paperwhite bulbs be planted outdoors?
How long do Paperwhite bulbs last?
What to do with paperwhites after flowering?
Are paperwhites poisonous to dogs?
Do Paperwhite bulbs rebloom?
Do paperwhites need sun?
Why are my paperwhites falling over?

Can you plant paperwhites in soil?

The pure white blooms of the paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus) add an elegant touch to winter and spring indoor containers when grown in potting soil. ... Paperwhites grow as perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, so you can move them outdoors after enjoying them inside.

Do paperwhites come back every year?

To grow paperwhites outdoors, plant them any time from fall through spring. ... The leaves supply the energy the plant needs to produce flowers during the next season. In warm climates, paperwhites are less demanding than other narcissus varieties. With this minimal care, they'll come back from year to year.

Can you regrow paperwhites?

Paperwhites can be grown indoors and forced to bloom during the holiday season. With the proper care, you can save and preserve paperwhite bulbs to bloom again. However, they do require time to replenish their energy stores, and may not re-bloom for two or three years.

How do you take care of a Paperwhite plant?

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Paperwhites will bloom in about two to four weeks. Once the plants begin to bloom, the floral display typically lasts one to two weeks. For longest bloom, keep the soil moist and move the pot out of direct sun.

How do you force paperwhites for Christmas?

Paperwhites don't require a chill period in order to initiate bloom production like other types of daffodils do. This means they're easy to “force” into flower simply by exposing the dormant bulbs to water.

Can Paperwhite bulbs be planted outdoors?

Like most bulbs that are forced for indoor flowers, paperwhites are usually tossed out after they finish blooming. In warm climates, where temperatures don't go below 20°F, paperwhite bulbs can be planted outdoors in late fall and will bloom in late winter. Plant the bulbs about 6" deep and 4" apart.

How long do Paperwhite bulbs last?

When to Force Paperwhites to Bloom

For instance, if you want Christmas blooms, plant a week or so before Thanksgiving. Paperwhite bulbs can be stored for no more than about two months before they begin to lose their viability. So don't purchase them too far in advance of planting.

What to do with paperwhites after flowering?

When they've finished flowering, leave them in their pots for the following year, or dry them off, leaving the leaves to shrivel on the bulb, and re-pot them again late next year. I've had the same Paperwhite bulbs flowering every winter for the past 3 years.

Are paperwhites poisonous to dogs?

All parts of the paper white plants are toxic to dogs, containing poisonous chemicals called alkaloids, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. ... The bulbs also contain oxalate crystals, which can cause poisoning and contact dermatitis when a dog or human touches them.

Do Paperwhite bulbs rebloom?

Paperwhites are often found in homes, blooming with starry white flowers that help dispel the cobwebs of winter. ... Sometimes if you plant them outside in USDA zone 10, you may get another bloom the next year but usually paperwhite bulb reblooming will take up to three years.

Do paperwhites need sun?

Paperwhites get leggy for two reasons. Either they were grown in a room that's too warm (above 65°F) or they didn't get enough light. For stocky plants, grow the bulbs in a cool room (50-60°F) and make sure they get lots of bright, indirect light. ... Keep the bulbs away from hot sun and heat to extend the bloom time.

Why are my paperwhites falling over?

Why Are My Paperwhites Falling Over? Paperwhites fall over because their roots have not developed strongly enough to hold the entire plant upwards. In nature, the bulbs have years to develop and get a foothold in the surrounding soil.