Paperwhites, botanically known as Narcissus papyraceus, are beloved for their clusters of fragrant white flowers during the winter months. The process of “forcing” these bulbs is a simple technique that tricks the plant into blooming indoors and out of season without the need for soil or a chilling period. This indoor gardening method accelerates the natural growth cycle, allowing you to enjoy the sweet scent and delicate blooms precisely when you want them.
Calculating the Timeline
Achieving a spectacular bloom display by December 25th requires careful planning, as timing is the most important element of forcing Paperwhites. These bulbs typically require an average of six to eight weeks from the time of planting until they reach full bloom. This duration can vary slightly based on the specific variety and the temperature of your home environment. To ensure flowers are open and fresh for the Christmas holiday, you should aim to begin the forcing process between the last week of October and the first two weeks of November. Starting in early November provides a comfortable six-to-seven-week buffer. Planting multiple small batches a week apart during this window is a good strategy to guarantee a continuous display of blooms throughout the entire holiday season.
Necessary Materials and Bulb Selection
Before starting the process, you must gather the specific supplies needed for the water and stone forcing method. You will need a shallow, waterproof container, such as a decorative bowl or a glass vase, as it does not require drainage holes. The necessary support medium is a collection of stones, pebbles, glass marbles, or polished gravel to anchor the bulbs. The most important material is the Narcissus papyraceus bulbs themselves. Choose bulbs that are large, firm to the touch, and feel heavy for their size, as these contain the most stored energy for flowering. Avoid any bulbs that display soft spots, mold, or blemishes, as these imperfections can lead to rot once the bulb is introduced to water.
The Water and Stone Method
The physical setup of the forcing container is straightforward and does not involve any potting soil. Begin by placing a two-to-three-inch layer of your chosen stones or pebbles at the bottom of the container to create a stable base. Arrange the Paperwhite bulbs on top of this layer, positioning them with the pointed end facing upward. The bulbs should be nestled closely together, almost touching, which helps to hold them upright as they grow. Once positioned, add more pebbles around the bulbs to secure them, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed to the air. Carefully add clean water to the container until the water level just touches the very bottom base of the bulbs, making sure the bulb itself is not submerged, which would cause rot.
Temperature Control and Preventing Floppiness
Temperature Control
Once assembled, the container should initially be placed in a location that is cool and dark for about a week to encourage root growth without prematurely sprouting the foliage. After a week, when the initial roots are visible and the green shoots are approximately one to two inches tall, move the container to a brighter location. The subsequent growth should be managed by maintaining a cool temperature, ideally between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will result in shorter, sturdier growth and prolong the life of the eventual flowers.
Preventing Floppiness
A common issue with Paperwhites is that their stems often grow tall and weak, causing the plant to become top-heavy and flop over. To combat this legginess, you can employ a technique that involves watering the plant with a dilute alcohol solution, sometimes called the “booze trick.” Once the shoots are one to two inches tall, pour off the existing water and replace it with a solution containing 4 to 6 percent alcohol. This is typically achieved by mixing one part of a 40-percent distilled spirit, like vodka, with seven parts of water. This creates a mild water stress that reduces stem height by up to 50 percent without reducing the size or fragrance of the flowers.