Q: What is the timetable for starting paperwhites so that they will be at their peak before Christmas and during Christmas week?

A: Paperwhite narcissus bulbs will bloom four to six weeks after they are planted. That puts the planting date around the first week of November. Initially place the planted container in a cool, dark place. A closet in an unused bedroom works well. Leave them there two weeks until small shoots and white roots appear. Then move to a bright window with no cold drafts around. Flowers will follow in two to four weeks. For continuous bloom throughout the winter, plant bulbs every two weeks from late fall through February.