Paperwhite Narcissus

Botanical Name: Narcissus jonquilla

 

Paperwhite Narcissus is easy to force into bloom indoors. The bulbs do NOT need to be placed in cold storage to bloom. Paperwhite bulbs begin to grow as soon as they are planted, with fragrant flowers appearing in 4-6 weeks.

Each tall flower stem produces several small, snowy-white flowers.

Steps to Forcing Paperwhites into Bloom

1. Plant paperwhite bulbs in a shallow pot filled with potting mix. Set as many bulbs as will fit in the pot, as close together as possible without touching. Top with potting mix, leaving the tips of the bulbs exposed.
   
2. Water thoroughly to moisten the soil.
   
3. Place in a cool (50-60°F/10-24°C) low-light location until shoots appear, usually in 2-3 weeks. Then move pot into warmer temperatures and a brighter location, but out of direct sun. Turn the pot once in a while so that all the stems get equal light. They're fast growers, with blossoms appearing in 4-6 weeks from time of planting.

The clusters of small, white flowers last about 3-4 weeks. Plants often need staking to stay upright.

Paperwhite Care Tips

Origin: Asia and Southern Europe

Height: 12-15 in (30-37.5 cm)

Light: Low to bright light.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist.

Humidity: Average room humidity.

Temperature: Cool to average 50-65°F/10-18°C. Too-warm temperatures will shorten the life of flowers and may cause flower buds to shrivel and turn brown.

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half from planting until blooming. Do not fertilize while in bloom.

Propagation: Paperwhite narcissus bulbs cannot be forced into bloom again and can be discarded.