how do i force my paperwhites for christmas

How do I force my paperwhites for Christmas?

• Prepare a Container. Select a container that's around 3 to 4 inches deep without drainage holes.
• Position the Bulb. Position the paperwhite bulb with its pointed end up on top of the stone layer.
• Add Water.
• Root the Bulb.
• Move the Pot Into Sunlight.
• Enjoy Your Blooms While They Last.

Full Answer

How do you grow paperwhites in pots?

Instructions 1 Prepare a Container Select a container that's around 3 to 4 inches deep without drainage holes. ... 2 Position the Bulb Position the paperwhite bulb with its pointed end up on top of the stone layer. ... 3 Add Water Add enough water to the container, so the level just reaches the base of the bulb. ... More items...

How do you force a paper white plant to grow?

How to Force Paper Whites. Paper whites are the original “Just Add Water” plant. While paperwhite bulbs can be planted in soil, more commonly they are grown in pots or dishes with some stones or marbles to anchor them in place and a little water.

What is a Paperwhite bulb?

Paperwhites are the original “Just Add Water” plant. While paperwhite bulbs can be planted in soil, more commonly they are grown in water in pots or dishes with some stones or marbles to anchor them in place.

When can Paperwhite bulbs be purchased for forcing?

Paperwhite bulbs for forcing are typically available at retailers or online sources from about October 1 through late winter, but may not be available during the outdoor growing season, when nurseries are preparing their stock of bulbs to ship for winter forcing.

How do I get my paperwhites to bloom for Christmas?

Force Paperwhites To Bloom For ChristmasThe Vase Method. The simplest way to grow this bulb is in a vase of water. ... The Gravel Method. Another popular way to grow paperwhites is in gravel or glass pebbles. ... The Potting Soil Method. The third method involves planting the bulbs in a pot or tray filled with potting soil.

How do you force indoor paperwhites?

Paperwhites are very easy to force in either moist potting soil or water. The water trick is the simplest: Stick bulbs part-ways into clean gravel, glass beads, or other loose material in which roots will grow and intertwine to support the top-heavy growing plants so they don't tip over.

How do you force Narcissus for Christmas?

Paperwhites, also know as Narcissus, are winter blooming flower bulbs. They produce tiny white fragrant blooms. You can “force” the blooms by planting them indoors 4-6 weeks before you want them to bloom. “Forcing” a bulb means you encourage a plant to bloom outside it's normal conditions.

When should I start decorating my paperwhites for Christmas?

The best time to plant your paperwhites for Christmas blooms would be 4-6 weeks before you want them at their best. If you want them blooming in early December for the start of the Christmas party season, plant in mid to late October.

Do paperwhites need to be chilled before forcing?

Unlike other narcissus, paperwhites don't require a chilling period, so forcing them to bloom indoors is as easy as putting the bulbs in water and waiting. While paperwhite bulbs can be planted in soil, more commonly they are grown in containers or dishes of water with some stones or marbles to anchor them in place.

How do I save my paperwhites for next year?

Keep Them in Pots About six weeks after the paperwhite blooms, turn the pot on its side and store it somewhere where it will not freeze, such as a garage or basement. In the fall, turn the pot upright, place it in the sun, water the bulb thoroughly and continue watering until the paperwhite blooms again in the spring.

How long does it take to force paperwhite bulbs?

Set the pot of bulbs in a standing pan of water and allow to absorb the liquid for an hour or so and then remove and let drain. Paperwhite bulb forcing requires a cool temperature of around 50 to 60 degrees F. (10-15 C.) for two weeks and can then be moved into a warmer, sunnier area.

When should I start forced Christmas bulbs?

Ideally, place potted bulbs outdoors three weeks before the first hard frost. Bring bulbs indoors and top growth begins. Most bulbs require 13 to 14 weeks of chilling to develop the necessary roots. Indoor forcing usually takes another three to four weeks.

How do I get my paperwhites to bloom again?

You can poke your spent paperwhite bulbs in the ground in the spring with a little fertilizer. It will take 2-3 years for them to bloom again this way, but once they're in the dirt, you can forget about them until they start blooming again.

How do you force a bulb indoors?

Forcing bulbs in waterFill the vase with water to just touching the basal plate of the bulb. ... Place the vase in a cool, dark spot for a few days until roots are forming and there is an inch or two of leaf growth.Move it into a bright spot with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F.More items...•

Can I save paperwhite bulbs?

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.

Can paperwhite bulbs freeze?

Paperwhites are sensitive to cold temperatures, so don't let the bulbs freeze.

forcing paperwhites in water

There are a couple of ways you can do this method. First, you can place the bulbs in a bulb vase. A bulb vase has a narrow neck that allows the bulb to rest on the top of the vase without falling into the water. You fill the vase with water and sit the bulb on top of the base with the pointed side up.

forcing paperwhite bulbs in soil

If you want to plant your bulbs in soil, it is still a good idea to put gravel in the bottom of your container so they get good drainage. Then you can add a layer of soil and nestled your bulbs into the soil, with the pointy end up. The majority of the bulb needs to be exposed.

tips for forcing paperwhite bulbs in soil or water

Regardless of whether you choose to plant your paperwhites in water or soil, these tips still apply to both. Paperwhites tend to get very tall and leggy. And they will typically topple over because they are top heavy. To avoid your plants getting too tall and leggy you can add vodka to the water.

How to keep paperwhites from toppling over?

Position the paperwhite bulb with its pointed end up on top of the stone layer. Add another layer of stones to fill in any gaps and nearly cover the bulb. The pointed tip of the bulb should still be showing. If you have multiple bulbs for one container, tight spacing is fine. Paperwhites not only look better in a group, but the tight fit will help keep them from toppling over.

How much does a paperwhite flower cost?

Estimated Cost: $20. Paperwhites ( Narcissus papyraceus) are popular indoor plants for winter with their clusters of fragrant, white blooms. Unlike other narcissus, paperwhites don't require a chilling period, so forcing them to bloom indoors is as easy as putting the bulbs in water and waiting. While paperwhite bulbs can be planted in soil, more ...

How long does it take for paperwhite bulbs to bloom?

Because the bulbs typically take four to six weeks to bloom, you'll need to time the planting for blooms to appear when you want them.

Do you need to keep paper white bulbs in darkness?

However, unlike some other bulbs, you don't need to keep your paperwhite bulb in darkness. An open location will make it easier to check the water level. Check your bulb daily to see whether it needs more water. You want the level to remain just touching the base of the bulb.

Can paperwhite bulbs be planted indoors?

Short bamboo stakes and twine can also be used to support the stalks. Once they've bloomed, paperwhite bulbs should generally be discarded. They will not bloom again indoors. In mild climates, they sometimes can be planted in an outdoor garden after they are finished with their indoor blooming.

how to force Paperwhites for Christmas

Paperwhites bloom 3 – 6 weeks after planting. So, plan accordingly. I want mine to be blooming in time for my Christmas home tour the first week of December.

where to buy paperwhite bulbs

You can find paperwhite bulbs right now at discount stores, home improvement stores, your local garden shop, and even at the grocery store! And, they aren’t expensive! So, go out and get some paperwhite bulbs to force for Christmas!

Let me tell share how to force these beauties to grow

It would help if you forced them at the right time. For example, I like to plant mine six weeks before I want them to bloom.

How do you Plant paperwhite bulbs?

Fill a pot or dish halfway with soil or gravel to force paperwhite narcissus bulbs. You’ll want at least 2 inches of soil or stone for drainage. Set the bulbs gently in the dirt or gravel, and pack more soil or rocks around the bulbs, leaving the tips visible. Water the bulbs thoroughly until the soil is soaked.