By Richard Jauron
Extension Horticulturist
Narcissus is a popular flowering bulb that is typically grown indoors over the winter months. Paperwhite narcissus is a type of narcissus flowering bulb which makes for great home decoration during the holidays. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists share information on paperwhite narcissus to help brighten Iowans’ homes this winter.
To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or at hortline@iastate.edu.
How do I force paperwhite narcissus?
Paperwhite narcissus are easy to force indoors. The bulbs can be forced in clear, shallow bowls with no drainage holes or pots.
When forcing paperwhite narcissus in bowls, partially fill the container with washed gravel or stones. Place the bulbs on the gravel or stones. Then place additional gravel or stones around the bulbs, leaving the tips, noses, of the bulbs exposed. Add water to the bowl until it touches the bottom of the bulbs. Maintain the water at this level throughout the forcing period.
When forcing paperwhites in pots, partially fill the container with potting soil. Place the bulbs on the soil surface. Then add additional potting soil. When potted, the tips of the bulbs should stick above the potting soil. The level of the soil mix should be ½ to 1 inch below the rim of the container. After potting, water each container thoroughly. Keep the potting soil moist throughout the forcing period.
Place the planted bulbs in a cool, 45 to 50 F, dark location for two to three weeks to encourage root growth. When the shoots reach a height of 3 inches, move the plants to a sunny window with a temperature of 60 to 70 F. To prolong their bloom period, move the paperwhite narcissus from direct sunlight when the plants begin to flower.
What are some good paperwhite narcissus varieties for forcing indoors?
Paperwhite narcissus cultivars include ‘Bethlehem’ (creamy white petals, yellow cup, mild musk fragrance), ‘Galilee’ (pure white flowers, moderate musk fragrance), ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’ (yellow petals, orange cup, sweet fruity fragrance), ‘Inbal’ (white flowers, mild pleasant fragrance), ‘Nir’ (white flowers, moderate musk fragrance) and ‘Ziva’ (pure white flowers, strong musk fragrance).
Can paperwhite narcissus bulbs be saved after they have been forced indoors?
Paperwhite narcissus bulbs should be discarded after flowering. Paperwhites cannot be successfully forced again and are not winter hardy outdoors.