Forcing paperwhite narcissus bulbs in the middle of the cold dark days of winter adds light and fragrance to the home.
When shopping for paperwhite narcissus bulbs, look for large firm bulbs. Soft, dried or discolored bulbs typically fail to bloom or produce inferior blooms.
Select a short fat vase that holds 5 to 6 paperwhite bulbs for the best display. Clear vases allow you to observe root growth and use colored stones or glass nuggets to enhance the decor.
Add a 2-to 3-inch layer of pebbles, glass nuggets or decorative stones in the bottom of the vase.
Nestle the bottom of the paperwhite bulbs into the stones and pack them snugly in the vase. Bulbs should be touching each other and rest against the sides of the vase.
Fill the bottom of the vase with water so that it barely touches the bottom of the bulbs. As the bulbs begins to send out roots, they will stretch downward into the water.
Set the paperwhite bulbs in a cool dark area to encourage good root formation. Ideal temperatures for paperwhites range between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the bulbs and refill with water every few days until young green shoots appear.
Once green shoot appear, move your paperwhite narcissus to a sunny windowsill. If the stem become tall and leggy, move the paperwhites to an area with more light.
Once blooms appear, move your paperwhites out of direct sunlight to a cool area of the home to prolong the blooms.
Paperwhite narcissus bloom 4 to 6 weeks after planting. For January blooms, plant narcissus in the end of November.
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