Paperwhites for Christmas: Forcing Paperwhite Bulbs

Photo by Robbie Caponetto; Styling by Buffy Hargett Miller via Southern Living

Christmas, to me, is filled with good food, people, music, and an abundance of fresh greenery; a particular blooming flower: the white narcissus or paperwhite, especially.

This was my first year giving forced paperwhites a go. I used a simple method with the goal of blooms by Christmas. You can find paper white bulbs for purchase here in our shop.

I picked up the glass container and little stones at Michael’s. You can select any variety of holder including: bowls, a mug, a small dish, anything that will hold 2” of stone. The bulb itself does not need to be covered or held by the container. — I picked up the glass container and little stones at Michael’s. You can select any variety of holders including: bowls, a mug, a small dish, anything that will hold 2” of stone. The bulb itself does not need to be covered or held by the container.

FORCING PAPERWHITES FOR CHRISTMAS

Purchase your flower bulbs at least 4-6 weeks before you wish them to bloom. Bulbs should be firm to touch.
Choose your container- I selected a simple glass container, one for each bulb, that just fit the circumference of the bulb and was a bit taller in height. I liked the idea of Theodora (my toddler) watching the progress of the roots growing.
Place about 2” of pebble, decorative stone, or river rock on the bottom of your container, this will be your base, you do not need to add soil for this particular method.
Position/nestle the bulb on top of the pebbles (you can do more than one bulb if preferred, you will just need a bigger container) with the tip of the bulb facing up. I slightly made an indent in the pebbles just to keep the bulb sturdy and upright.
Fill water just until it covers the bottom of your bulb, no further, as it is not necessary for growth and could create rot. Continue to water as needed over time.
Place into a sunny area
Once roots have appeared (between 5-10 days) continue to fill water back to the base of bulb as needed
Rotate the plant to encourage it to grow upright
In 4-6 weeks total, enjoy your paperwhite blooms in time for gift giving or Christmas celebrations!
* You may need to support your blooms as they grow tall, you can tie them together with twine, ribbon, and/or use sticks, twigs, etc., to support them.

I placed ours in a corner of our kitchen that doesn’t see much light for the first bit until roots take.

Love this simple look from White Flower Farm

Have you forced your own paperwhite or other blooms for the holidays? I grew bulbs for a second Christmas in a row, 2021, using this simple method and was pleased to hear from those who purchased paper whites from our shop who did the same.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by today. Hope to see you again soon, -Samantha