Forcing Paper Whites

January is traditionally the time to clear out the holiday decorations. But things then seem so bare! But forcing paperwhite narcissus gives a lovely floral display that is something special to anticipate. No special gardening skills are required.

Paperwhites, (narcissus tazetta), are the most simple spring bulb to force. Forcing bulbs indoors makes them bloom earlier than normal. Within four weeks you can have a fragrant spring display. Start now and you can have this display by February or earlier. Wow! Think how welcome fresh flowers will be in the depth of winter!

Begin with a shallow dish, three to four inches deep. For an eight to ten inch dish use at least six bulbs. Lay gravel, pebbles or marbles on the bottom of the dish. Place the bulbs on the gravel pointed end up. Crowd them in. The flat base of each bulb should be level with the other bulbs. Surround them with the gravel to stabilize the bulbs. Add enough water to touch the bottom of the bulbs and no more. Place in a moderately lit, cool area of your home. Continue to water, keeping the water at the same level. When the roots are growing and the bulb shoots are one to two inches tall, place in a sunny location, usually in front of a window. Avoid very warm locations as this will cause the stems to get floppy.

After the first week, pour off the water. Replace with a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol, (isopropyl alcohol) 10 parts water. Bring the water/alcohol solution again to the bottom of the bulb. Extension Service research shows that the alcohol solution keeps the plant from getting too tall and leggy. Continue to water with the alcohol/water solution, keeping the water level at the bottom of the bulb. After the blooms appear, move to indirect lighting rather than full sun.

Although paperwhite bulbs can be planted in soil to force, the risk of root rot is considerably higher. The method above assures you of the most success.

You can start batches of paperwhites every two weeks for a continuous display throughout February, March and April. Bulbs can be found at most home and garden stores. Cultivars available in Kentucky stores should force very well. After the blooms have died, the bulbs can be planted in the ground. However the success rate is not good as the bulb has been spent in forcing. The forced bulbs may not bloom for a year or two, if at all. You may simply want to place the bulbs on the compost pile.

Enjoy your blooming paperwhites on a sunny window sill or table. Give them as a gift. The joy of flowers before the arrival of spring is appreciated by all.