Bulbs
' Ziva ' paperwhite . exposure by : Red - Diamond / Shutterstock
If you longsighted for spring daffodils during the bare days of wintertime , paperwhites are a nigh relative that you could thrust indoors at almost any metre of class to make it feel like spring even on a snowy day . Like amaryllisbulbs , paperwhites demand no shuddery period before forcing . Simply put them in filth or a bowl filled with water , and within a few week you will be enjoying their dainty , daffodil - like blooms . If you live in a strong southern climate , you’re able to also plant paperwhites outdoors in the garden , where they will bloom in early spring .
On this varlet : Basics|Forcing Indoors|Growing Outdoors|Care|Bulb Buying Tips
On this varlet :
BASICS
Botanical name:
Narcissus papyraceus
Plant type & origin:
repeated electric light , native to the Mediterranean .
Zones:
8 to 11
Bloom time:
Typically 4 to 8 weeks after imbed indoors . February to March when planted outside .
Height:
12 to 18 inch
Flower colors:
Usually pure white bloom , but you ’ll also discover cultivar with yellow , orange , and bi - colored blooms .
Bloom size:
2 to 3 inches across
Special features:
Fragrant , fast growing , disease and pest resistant
Precautions:
All component part of the works can be toxic if assimilate , especially the bulb . If growing indoors , keep away from children and pets .
FORCING PAPERWHITES INDOORS
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you’re able to plant your paperwhites in potting grime or in shallow containers of weewee with some pebbles or decorative gem added to keep them in place . Note that some paperwhite varieties will drive better in soil than in water alone , so be sure to translate the guidelines on the bulb package before planting .
Growing paperwhites in soil:
Find a shallow potentiometer ( about 4 to 5 inches deep ) with hole in the bottom for drain . occupy until about three - quarter full with an indoor potting mix and imbed the electric light with the pointed ends facing up , allowing the tip to glint above the grime . pee well , allowing the water to drain through the mess .
Growing paperwhites in water and pebbles:
For this method , use a container without drainage kettle of fish so it can hold water . Fill it about halfway with your choice of pebble , wits , decorative stones , or chalk string of beads and set the bulbs on top . Pack more pebble around the bulbs to hold them in station , leaving the pointed tips exposed , and then add water to a floor no higher than the base of the bulbs . Add more water as needed to maintain this level as the flora take ancestor and grow .
Container options:
There ’s no indigence to buy a special container for develop paperwhites because a simple decorative saucer or bowl will go fine and provide enough growing room for the roots . you may also grow paperwhites in a marvellous glass vase , which will help keep your plants unsloped as they grow and allow you to watch the bulbs take tooth root .
Just be sure to choose a container expectant enough to adapt the number of bulbs you plan to plant . For a full display , plant multiple bulbs in one container , space them no more than an in apart .
GROWING PAPERWHITES OUTDOORS
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In warm climates ( zones 8 to 11 ) , paperwhites are a great alternative todaffodils , jonquil , and other members of theNarcissusgenus that call for a period of insensate weather to bloom outdoors .
establish the bulbs anytime in the fall or early wintertime for bloom the next spring . prefer a cheery pip with well - drained territory , and set the bulb in holes about 6 in deep , spacing them several inches apart . For maximum wallop , flora in groups of 10 or more .
Get more backsheesh forplanting bulbs in the garden .
PAPERWHITE CARE
Watering:
If your paperwhites are planted in a container with rock or pebbles , keep the pee level just under the lightbulb base . If they are planted in soil , pee only when the soil is ironical to the touch . keep off overwatering , which can stimulate the bulbs to rot and prevent blooming .
Light/temperature:
To offer the blossom clock time of your paperwhites , keep them in a nerveless location ( about 65 degrees F ) and away from verbatim sunlight . Too much light will cause the flowers to wither faster and too little may stimulate the stem to get leggy . A spot with bright , collateral light is best .
Provide support:
Indoors , you may need to prop up your paperwhites with small stake or gird them with ribbon , string , or asupport ringto forbid the slender stems from collapsing under the weight of the peak .
Stunting paperwhite growth:
Another solution to keep them from flop is to stunt the growth of your works so they do n’t get tall and lanky by “ pickle ” them in gin or another distilled spirit , according to inquiry from Cornell University . Spiking the develop water with alcohol will dilute the height of the prow by as much as 50 % without affecting the size of the flowers . ascertain how its done .
After they bloom:
Paperwhite blooms usually last about two to three weeks after they open . Once all the efflorescence have fade , the leafage will still be worthy of display for a few more weeks . Although it ’s possible to get your bulbs to bloom again indoors , it ’s usually not deserving the fuss and most people find it easier to put away or compost the bulb and grease one’s palms Modern ace .
alfresco in the garden , regale paperwhites as you would daffodils . Cut off the spent flowers but allow the foliage in place until it begin to turn chickenhearted and you could pull it out by bridge player .
PAPERWHITE BULB BUYING TIPS
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A few matter to keep in intellect when shopping for paperwhites :
