1) Can I Grow Paperwhites Outdoors?

2) How do I force them to bloom in a pot or inside?

The above video discusses forcing paperwhites in pots and about making combination paperwhite pots with violas. They bring a splash of color to your winter indoor or outdoor life. I have to keep potting more and more because I hand them out like Santa Clause this time of year. They make the perfect Christmas or Thanksgiving gardening gift for the flower lover in your life. Hopefully I’ll actually get to see some of them bloom! We sell paperwhite forcing kits here at www.southernbulbs.com

Can I Grow Paperwhites Outdoors?

The quick answer is “Yes! You can.” I’ve covered it in more detail below, but just this week (December 2022) Rebecca went to lunch in Kilgore at a place anyone in the area must go to called Jack Ryans. Around the corner is an older part of the town, and this warm December has all of the heirloom paperwhites in the abandoned lots blooming! It continues…there is a flower bulb that blooms every week of the year. Rebecca had the girls run out for some photos!

Paperwhite bulbs, which are also known as Narcissus tazetta papyraceous, are typically grown indoors in pots or containers. They can be planted outdoors in some climates, but they may not survive or bloom if the weather is too cold. Paperwhite bulbs are native to the Mediterranean region, and they prefer warm, sunny conditions. In most parts of the United States, the weather is too cold for paperwhites to thrive outdoors, especially during the winter months.

If you live in a mild climate and want to try planting paperwhites outdoors, the best time to do so is in the fall. This will allow the bulbs to root and establish themselves in the soil before the cold weather arrives. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight, and plant the bulbs at the same depth that they were planted in the container. Water them well, and mulch the soil around the bulbs to help protect them from freezing temperatures.

In some cases, paperwhite bulbs that are planted outdoors in the fall may survive the winter and bloom the following spring. However, there is no guarantee that they will survive, and they may not bloom as reliably as they would if they were grown indoors. If you want to enjoy the fragrant blooms of paperwhite bulbs, it is best to grow them indoors in pots or containers. This will ensure that they have the warm, sunny conditions they need to thrive and bloom.

Forcing Paperwhites

Forcing paperwhite bulbs is a fun and easy way to bring the beauty of spring into your home during the cold winter months. Plus, it’s a great way to get a jump start on your gardening season. With just a few simple supplies and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy fragrant, blooming paperwhites in just a few weeks.

First, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need paperwhite bulbs, a container with drainage holes (a shallow bowl or pot works well), pebbles or gravel (optional), and potting soil. You can also add some decorative elements, such as moss or shells, to dress up your container.

Next, if you are worried about drainage, fill the bottom of your container with a layer of pebbles or gravel. This will provide drainage for the bulbs and help prevent them from rotting, but I find a fresh potting soil drains fairly well. Then, add a layer of potting soil on top of the pebbles.

Now it’s time to plant your bulbs. Place the bulbs on top of the soil, making sure that the pointed end is facing upwards. Space the bulbs about an inch apart, and then gently press the soil down around them to secure them in place.

Once your bulbs are planted, water them well. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and place the container in a place where you can watch them for signs of growth. The bulbs will begin to root and start to grow.

After four weeks, move the container to a well-lit area, such as a windowsill or even outside on nice warm and sunny days. As the paperwhite bulbs start to grow, they will need plenty of light to bloom. Keep the soil moist, and within a four to six weeks, you’ll have beautiful, fragrant paperwhite blooms to enjoy.

Forcing paperwhite bulbs is a fun and easy way to bring a touch of spring into your home during the cold winter months. Plus, it’s a great activity to do with kids, and it’s a great introduction to gardening. Give it a try and see for yourself how rewarding it can be!