The fragrance and beauty of Paperwhite narcissus can be yours in winter months if you plan a few weeks ahead. Paperwhite narcissus bulbs can be bought loose or as part of a pre-packaged forcing kit. Unlike many other bulbs, Paperwhites can be forced into bloom without a cold treatment.
Place the bulbs, pointed side up, in a shallow pot or bowl filled two thirds full with gravel, sand, marbles, polished stones or soil mix. A greater show will result if several bulbs are put in each container close together but not touching. Fill in around the bulbs so they are covered to one-half their height and water enough to keep stones or other media moist. Put the dish in a cool dark room for about a week to encourage roots to develop. When green shoots appear, move the bulb into a filtered sunny location. Keep the temperatures cool during forcing. In about three more weeks, fragrant clusters of white, cream or yellow flowers will appear.
These bulbs are easy to force for indoor blooms and the fragrance is a luxurious treat in the middle of winter. Just be sure to plant a few extras as gifts for friends or to take to the office.
Janine Phillips, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Annual & Perennial Flowers Index
Gardening Tips For NorthEast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page