How to grow Paperwhites

Paperwhites are quick to flower and bloom in 4-6 weeks from the start of the process! 

There are two different ways you can force your paperwhite bulbs, depending on your aesthetic preferences. These bulbs can easily grow in pebbles and water or in soil. 

WATER METHOD

Fill a 3-4 inch deep bowl or other shallow container without drainage holes with crushed rock, pebbles, or other decorative stones. Pack your paperwhite bulbs into the container and push them down into the stones so the tips stay upright. Add water until it just covers the bottom of the bulbs. Do not let you bulbs stand in water; they will rot.

SOIL METHOD

Place damp potting mix in the container until it is ½ to ¾ full. Place the bulbs pointy-ends-up on top of the soil. You can place the bulbs close together. Cover the bulbs until only the pointy tips are sticking out of the soil.Water thoroughly.

BOTH METHODS

Place the container somewhere in your home that doesn’t get direct sunlight. The roots should start growing in 2-3 weeks. You can check this by gently pulling on the bulb to see if it gives any resistance. During this time water only when the potting mix is dry to the touch or the water level is low.

Once your bulbs have taken root, move the container to a sunny spot (like a window sill). And once they begin to shoot up, it will only be a week or two before they bloom.

Paperwhites generally have fresh-looking blooms for 14-20 days. To keep them looking fresh remove spent blooms, do not overwater and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Bonus Tip: To keep your paperwhites from growing too tall and toppling over, add a 5% alcohol solution. You can mix ½ a cup of vodka with 3.5 cups of water.