Winter may not seem like the ideal time for planting flowers, but with paperwhite narcissus, you can enjoy fragrant blooms during the coldest months of the year. These easy-to-grow bulbs can be planted indoors and will provide beautiful, cheerful color and fragrance to your home. In this blog, we will guide you growing paperwhite narcissus indoors in the winter. In both pots and in water along as well as transplanting them outdoors in the spring.
Paperwhite Narcissus, also known as Narcissus papyraceus, is a perennial bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region. These plants are renowned for their striking white flowers, which bloom in clusters and emit a strong, sweet fragrance. What sets Paperwhite Narcissus apart is its ability to bloom indoors during winter, making it a popular choice for holiday decorations and indoor gardens. The bulbs are very easy to force into blooming and require little more than to be planted and watered.
Choosing the Right Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs
Choosing the right bulbs is crucial for successfully growing Paperwhite Narcissus. Look for large, firm bulbs that are free from any signs of mold or decay. The larger the bulb, the more energy it has for producing flowers. If possible, opt for bulbs that have the shoot already starting to emerge, as these will bloom quicker. Avoid bulbs that are soft, shriveled, or have a rotten smell as they may not sprout. Paperwhite bulbs can be purchased from most gardening centers, nurseries, or online. Remember to always buy bulbs from a reputable source to ensure their quality and health.
Best Pots for Growing Paperwhite Narcissus Indoors
Selecting the right pot is another crucial step in the successful cultivation of Paperwhite Narcissus indoors. The pot should be deep enough to accommodate the bulbs and their roots, about 3 to 5 inches in depth. As these plants aren’t overly fussy about their space, both regular garden pots and shallow, wide pans can work well. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as this can lead to bulb rot.
Materials can range from plastic to terracotta; however, glazed ceramic pots are often the best choice for indoor growing. They maintain a more stable temperature and add an aesthetic appeal to your indoor garden. Moreover, if you’re looking to grow your Paperwhites in water, glass or crystal vases make a lovely choice, allowing you to watch the roots develop and create a unique, decorative display.
Best Type of Soil for Growing Paperwhite Narcissus Indoors
Choosing the right soil is vital in indoor cultivation of Paperwhite Narcissus. They prefer a well-drained, moderately fertile soil. A good mix can be made with equal parts of standard potting soil, peat moss, and perlite, or you can buy a pre-made bulb potting mix. The soil should be able to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged, as this could lead to bulb rot. It is also beneficial to add a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer to the soil. This will provide the bulbs with the nutrients they need to grow and bloom successfully.
Planting Your Paperwhite Narcissus
The process of planting your Paperwhite Narcissus is quite straightforward and can be enjoyable even for novice gardeners. Begin by filling your selected pot about halfway with the chosen soil mix. Arrange the bulbs on the soil surface, pointed end up, close to each other but not touching. You can fit about five bulbs in a 10-inch pot for an impressive display.
Once placed, add more soil, but leave the top third of the bulbs exposed. Water the bulbs well, ensuring the soil is damp but not drenched. After watering, place the pot in a cool, dark place for about a week to encourage root growth. Then, move the pot to a sunny spot where it will get plenty of indirect sunlight.
Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. In about four to six weeks, your Paperwhite Narcissus should bloom, filling your home with their sweet fragrance and brightening your indoor space with their beautiful white flowers.
Transplanting Outdoors in the Spring
Transplanting your Paperwhite Narcissus outdoors in the spring allows you to continue to enjoy their beauty in your garden. Wait until the danger of frost has passed, as these plants are not frost-tolerant. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Before transplanting, acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered area outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time.
When ready, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the bulb and its roots. The top of the bulb should sit at soil level. Place the bulb into the hole, pointed end up, and backfill with soil. Firmly press the soil around the bulb but be careful not to damage the roots. Water the transplant thoroughly, and continue to provide regular watering throughout the growing season.
It’s important to remember that Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs forced to bloom indoors may not bloom again when transplanted outside. However, it’s worth trying as they can add beauty to your garden for many springs to come.
Growing Paperwhite Narcissus in Water
If you’d like to skip the soil entirely, Paperwhite Narcissus can also be successfully grown in water. Here’s how to do it:
Choose a container: Select a container that is at least 3 to 5 inches deep. Glass or crystal containers are a popular choice as they allow you to watch the roots develop over time
Add stones or pebbles: Fill the container with about 2 inches of stones or pebbles. These will provide support for the bulbs and prevent them from tipping over.
Arrange the bulbs: Place the bulbs on top of the stones or pebbles, pointed end up. They should be close, but not touching. Add more stones or pebbles around and between the bulbs until just the tops are visible. The pebbles will help hold the bulbs in place while they root.
Add water: Pour water into the container until it reaches the base of the bulbs. It’s important to not submerge the bulbs in water, as this could cause them to rot. The goal is to provide a source of moisture for the roots as they develop.
Find the right spot: Like in soil, place the container in a cool, dark area for about a week to encourage root growth, and then move it to a location that receives indirect sunlight. Be sure to maintain the water level at the base of the bulbs and in about 4-6 weeks, you should be greeted with a beautiful display of fragrant Paperwhite Narcissus.
Remember, Paperwhites grown in water won’t re-bloom, unlike their soil-grown counterparts. So when they have finished flowering, you can simply compost them. This method of growing in water offers a clean, unusual, and visually appealing way to enjoy Paperwhite Narcissus indoors.
Happy Gardening!
In conclusion, planting paperwhite narcissus indoors during the winter is a surefire way to bring warmth and life to your home during the cold season. With proper care and attention, paperwhite narcissus will bloom and provide a sweet fragrance that will delight your senses. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful indoor garden in no time.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post page for more growing tips on Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponic Gardening, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, bulbs and how to plant them, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!