How to Grow Paperwhites
How to grow and care for paperwhites
By the time the days turn short and gray, I start to crave green things again. I miss the garden — the smell of soil, the satisfaction of watching something grow. That’s where Paperwhites come in. Every winter, I force a few pots of them indoors. They’re easy, fragrant, and the perfect antidote to the quiet stretch between the last harvest and the first hint of spring.
Choosing and Starting Bulbs
Paperwhites (a type of Narcissus tazetta) don’t need chilling like other bulbs, which makes them perfect for indoor forcing. You can start them as soon as you bring them home. I like to plant them in shallow bowls or wide vases so the bulbs sit shoulder to shoulder — it looks abundant when they bloom.
You can grow them two ways:
In soil: Use a shallow layer of potting mix, nestle the bulbs so half sits above the surface, and water sparingly until roots form.
In stones or pebbles: Fill a glass vessel halfway with pebbles, set the bulbs on top, and add water just to the base of the bulbs. Roots will grow down into the stones.
They prefer bright, indirect light and a cool spot (60–65°F). Warmer rooms make them grow too fast and flop.
Supporting the Growth
Once Paperwhites start to sprout, they can shoot up quickly — almost overnight. Their tall, elegant stems tend to lean toward the light, so I rotate my pots every few days. If they get too tall, a simple support (a few twigs or bamboo stakes) helps keep them upright.
A little trick: if you want shorter, sturdier growth, you can “feed” them diluted alcohol. Mix 1 part vodka to 7 parts water and use it instead of plain water once the shoots are a few inches tall. It slows growth slightly, keeping the stems stocky and the blooms tidy.
Bloom and Aftercare
Paperwhites bloom about 3–5 weeks after planting. The flowers last around 10 days, filling the room with their sweet, musky scent — polarizing, I know, but I love it. Once they’re done blooming, I compost the bulbs. Paperwhites rarely rebloom indoors.
