Paperwhite Narcissus are a great naturalizing perennial in our area. Naturalizing means that the bulb multiplies and comes back every year. They can be planted in the ground in full to partial sun in a well drained area. They don't have to be dug up each year - just leave them in the soil and they multiply and come back each year. Paperwhites are the best of all the Narcissus for our area because it is the most dependable. They should be planted in the fall and they usually bloom 6-8 weeks after they are planted. After they are finished blooming it is best to let the foliage die back on its own.
Of course paperwhites can also be forced. They have the interesting predictability of blooming in 6 weeks (almost to the day) when they are forced bloomed in a pot indoors. Here is how to do it:
To force Paperwhites in water: Place 1-2 tablespoons of agricultural charcoal in a clean, shallow pot or bowl with sides at least 4 inches high and without drainage holes in the bottom. The charcoal helps keep the water fresh but is not absolutely necessary as long as you keep the water fresh and remove any that starts looking dirty. There are a ton of attractive containers available these days but clear glass is one of my favorites.
Fill the container with a half inch to an inch of clean gravel or stones. PaperwhitesPlace as many bulbs as possible in the container, but do not let them touch one another or the sides of the pot. Place the paperwhite bulbs on the gravel, pointed-side up. Fill in around them with gravel. You want the gravel to hold the bulbs upright but not cover them and you want to leave the tips of the bulbs above the gravel.
Fill the container with water until it's just beneath, but not touching, the bottom of the bulbs. The roots will grow down into the water. Maintain the water at this level. Place the pot in a cool, dim or dark area. Good air circulation is important. Roots will appear in one to three days. When they have developed and the foliage is 4 to 5 inches tall (roughly three weeks), move the container to a cool, brighter spot. The light will green up the foliage. Rotate the pot frequently, for even growth. The new shoots will develop rapidly, and in three weeks the fragrant, white flowers should open and last for up to 10 days.
Profile
Type: Perennial
Season: fall to spring; bloom 6-8 weeks after planted
Color: White.
Garden habitat: In a garden or container.
Exposure: Full to partial sun.
