Forcing Paperwhite Bulbs

An easy way to plant Paperwhites indoors…

• Start by carefully placing a layer of stones or pebbles to a depth of about 2" in a small vase or about 4" in a larger vase. Clear vases with tall sides are the most fun because you get to see the rooting action and the flowers won’t flop over when they’re growing!

• Next, place a layer of Paperwhite bulbs close to each other, roots facing down on top of the stones. Put a few stones or pebbles around and between the bulbs to anchor them in your vase. Leave the tops of the bulbs exposed, though!

• Add water until the level reaches just below the base of the bulbs, but no higher! If the bases of the bulbs sit in water, they will rot and die.

Now you wait…

• Set your vase in a cool (50-60°F is ideal) place away from direct sunlight. Check the bulbs frequently and add water when the water level is more than 1" below the bottoms of your bulbs.

• Check for roots once a week and move the container to a sunny window once you see big healthy roots growing down into the water.

• Keep a close eye on watering! Bulbs in active growth can dry out in just a day or two.

• Expect to see flowers WEEKS after you first plant your bulbs.

• Once flowering is done, we recommend you compost your spent bulbs. They will not bloom again indoors.

There are, of course, many ways to force bulbs indoors! This is just our favorite way for people who are trying it for the first time.