It’s December! Not only are we counting down to Christmas, we’re planting paperwhites to ensure we’ll have delightful blooms by Christmas week. Paperwhites are members of the daffodil family, tender narcissi that are less hardy than the spring flowering bulb.
The cooler months of the year send us flower farmers and gardeners in search of ways to garden indoors. Paperwhites provide the perfect opportunity for gardening inside. I like to fill several containers full of paperwhite bulbs. You can, too, just by using containers you have around your house or garden. Unusual containers or planters give your paperwhite displays a unique look.
You have a choice as to how you plant your paperwhites. You can either plant them in a good, light soil mixture or place them in a basin filled with pebbles. Here at the farm, we use both methods depending upon the containers that are available. I must add that I prefer planting bulbs that have already started to show a little growth.
If choosing to grow your paperwhites in pebbles, simply fill the vessel with pebbles and gently place each bulb upright among the pebbles. Then add just enough water to cover the bottom of all the bulbs. By the way, the roots of paperwhites can be just as beautiful as their blooms. When you plant them in clear glass containers, you get to enjoy watching their roots trail downward through the collection of pebbles.
If you’re familiar with paperwhites, you know they can get leggy. The foliage is more slender than the foliage of most other bulb varieties, and the stems tend to grow much taller and flop over. I recommend staking your paperwhites in the early stages of their growth. For supports, I like to use birch twigs, willow and other simple things from around the farm. Twigs give your paperwhite garden a natural, whimsical look as well as providing interesting detail.
For shorter, more stable stems, grow paperwhite bulbs in water that has a 5% alcohol concentration. After the bulbs start showing growth, continue watering with this formula until they’ve reached their full height and buds are formed.
Paperwhites normally bloom two to four weeks after being planted. Once the floral display begins, you can typically enjoy it for one to two weeks. To enjoy blooms longer, keep your paperweights out of direct sunlight and their soil moist.
Paperwhites are perfect for the Christmas season. But if you haven’t planted your paperwhites in time for Christmas blooms, don’t worry. Plant them in anticipation of New Year’s Day, or Valentine’s Day, or for a blooming show at any time during the winter.
Happy Gardening!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden