Paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) are a popular choice for indoor gardening, particularly during the winter months, offering a bright display and a strong fragrance. These bulbs are favored for “forcing” indoors because they do not require a chilling period to stimulate bloom. This makes them a reliable and straightforward option for bringing greenery and scent into the home.
The Timeline of Indoor Blooming
Paperwhites typically take about three to six weeks from the time of planting to produce flowers indoors. This relatively short development cycle means you have direct control over the timing of the bloom, allowing you to plan for a display around a specific holiday or event. For a traditional Christmas bloom, for instance, bulbs should be planted in early to mid-November.
The exact timing depends largely on the temperature of the growing environment. Warmer conditions encourage faster growth, potentially resulting in blooms in as little as three weeks, while cooler temperatures slow the process down. Once planted, the bulbs quickly develop an extensive root system before the green shoots emerge and rapidly grow into the flowering stems. Since the bulbs contain stored energy, their growth is quick compared to other forced flowers.
Essential Steps for Successful Forcing
There are two primary methods for forcing paperwhite bulbs. The aquatic method involves placing the bulbs on a layer of decorative pebbles or gravel in a watertight container. The bulbs should be nestled tightly together with the pointed end facing up, and water is added until it just touches the base of the bulbs, preventing rot.
Alternatively, the bulbs can be planted in a container filled with standard potting soil, ensuring the top third of the bulb remains exposed above the soil line. Whether using water or soil, the newly planted bulbs should be placed initially in a cool, dark location for approximately one to two weeks to encourage strong root development. Once roots are established and green shoots are visible, the container is moved to a location that receives bright light.
Maximizing the Display
As the shoots grow taller, a common issue is the stems becoming too long and weak, known as “flopping.” One solution is to provide support by staking the stems with thin wires or decorative twigs. A more effective trick involves carefully watering the plants with a diluted alcohol solution to stunt the stem growth slightly.
To implement this technique, once the green shoots are about one to two inches tall, replace the plain water with a mixture containing four to six percent alcohol. This solution is created by mixing one part of a 40-percent distilled spirit, such as vodka or gin, with seven parts water. This mild “water stress” reduces the overall height of the plant by up to one-third, resulting in shorter, sturdier stems without affecting the size or fragrance of the flowers. Once the flowers open, moving the container to a slightly cooler location, around 60 to 65°F, will help prolong the bloom period.
After the Flowers Fade
Once the paperwhite flowers have faded, the bulbs are considered spent and are typically discarded. The intensive process of forcing the bulb indoors depletes its energy reserves, making it unlikely to flower again the following year, especially if grown in water without soil. Narcissus papyraceus is a tender variety, meaning it is not winter-hardy in most temperate climates, making it unsuitable for planting outdoors. The most common practice is to compost the bulbs and purchase fresh bulbs for the next indoor season.