How to Grow Paperwhites

Q:  What’s the best way to grow Paperwhite Narcissus?

A:   One of the most popular methods is to choose a water tight, fairly shallow container wide enough to accommodate 5 or 6 Paperwhite bulbs. Fill the container with a decorative gravel.  Push the bulbs an inch or so deep into the gravel and fill the container with water to the base of the bulbs.  Place in a cool, sunny window.  Keep adding water as needed to maintain the water level to the base of the bulbs.  You’ll have clusters of uniquely fragrant flowers in 4-6 weeks.

An easier method is to choose a decorative pot with drain holes and large enough to accommodate 5 or 6 bulbs.  Get a good quality potting soil like Fertilome Ultimate, Fox Farm Happy Frog or ProMix.  Plant the bulbs into the pot keeping just the tips of the bulbs exposed above ground.  Water in thoroughly and keep them moist.  Place in a cool sunny window.  Expect clusters of fragrant flowers in 4- 6 weeks.

Once the flowers have faded, it’s best to just toss them onto the compost pile.  They make a horrible houseplant and are not hardy outdoors here in zone 5. 

Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show on Legends 810AM.