To force paperwhites, set the bulbs on pebbles in a bowl, add water just to the base of the bulbs, and give them bright light. They need no chilling and typically bloom in about 4 to 6 weeks. To keep them from flopping, Cornell researchers found that watering with a 4 to 6 percent alcohol solution keeps stems shorter.
Paperwhites are the easiest bulbs to bring into flower indoors. They’re also famous for growing tall, leaning over and toppling just as the flowers open. Here’s how to get the first part without the second.
How long do paperwhites take to bloom?
University of Illinois Extension says paperwhites typically bloom 4 to 6 weeks after planting, and that they don’t have a chilling requirement like many other bulbs. That makes them ideal for forcing indoors.
Counting back from the holidays:
| Plant the bulbs | Expect flowers around* |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, November 4 | December 2 to December 16 |
| Wednesday, November 11 | December 9 to December 23 |
| Wednesday, November 18 | December 16 to December 30 |
*Based on Illinois Extension’s 4 to 6 weeks; your room’s warmth and light will shift the timing. For a longer season, plant a new bowl every week or two.
How do I plant paperwhites in pebbles?
Illinois Extension’s method is simple. You’ll need a bowl without drainage holes, pebbles or gravel, and the bulbs.
- Add 1 to 2 inches of gravel to the bottom of the container.
- Set the bulbs on top, pointed ends up, about an inch apart. Paperwhites look best planted close together.
- Add more stones around them to hold them upright, leaving the tops exposed.
- Add water until it just touches the bottom of the bulbs, and keep it at that level.
- Place the bowl somewhere warm and bright while roots form. Illinois suggests the low 70s°F with bright light.
This is a lovely job to do at the kitchen table on a cold weekend. Pebbles and papery bulb skins get everywhere, so we pot ours on the Botanical Potting Mat and fold the corners up to keep the gravel from rolling off.
Why are my paperwhites flopping over?
They grow fast and tall, especially in a warm room without much light. Illinois Extension recommends giving them as much light as possible and, once they’re growing, moving them somewhere cooler, in the 60s°F, to help prevent lanky growth.
The more reliable fix comes from Cornell University.
What is the paperwhite alcohol trick?
Cornell’s Flower Bulb Research Program found that a dilute alcohol solution stunts paperwhite stems without harming the flowers. In Cornell’s write-up, treated plants grew one-third to one-half shorter. Their flowers were just as large, fragrant and long-lasting as usual.
- Plant the bulbs as above in plain water.
- Wait for roots and a green shoot 1 to 2 inches long. The University of Washington’s Miller Library notes this is usually about a week after planting.
- Pour off the water and replace it with a 4 to 6 percent alcohol solution.
- Keep using the solution each time you top up the water.
How much alcohol do I add to paperwhites?
| Alcohol you have | Strength | Mix | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gin, vodka, whiskey (80 proof) | 40% | 1 part to 7 parts water | Cornell |
| Rubbing alcohol | 70% isopropyl | 1 part to 10 or 11 parts water | Cornell |
| 100-proof spirits | 50% | About 1 part to 9 parts water | Our arithmetic, for about 5% |
Two cautions from Cornell. Don’t use beer or wine, because the sugars cause problems for the plants. And more isn’t better: concentrations above 10 percent cause growth problems.
Are paperwhites safe for cats and dogs?
No. Paperwhites are narcissus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and the bulbs are the most poisonous part. Keep the bowl well out of reach, and store unplanted bulbs where pets can’t find them.
Do paperwhites smell bad?
Some people love the fragrance and some really don’t. Illinois Extension describes the scent of some varieties as strong and musky. It notes that others, like ‘Inbal’, have less of a scent or a more pleasing one. If you’re sensitive to scent, look for those milder varieties.
What goes well with paperwhites?
Amaryllis, the other great holiday bulb. It takes longer, so start it earlier. Our amaryllis count-back calendar has the dates. For a table that uses living plants instead of cut flowers, a bowl of paperwhites fits right into our living centerpiece ideas, as long as no pets can reach it.
FAQ
Do paperwhites need to be chilled before forcing?
No. Illinois Extension notes they have no chilling requirement, which is why they’re so easy to force indoors.
When should I plant paperwhites to bloom for Christmas?
Early to mid November. At 4 to 6 weeks to bloom, bulbs planted between November 4 and November 11 should flower in December.
How much gin do I put in paperwhite water?
One part 80-proof spirit to seven parts water, which makes about a 5 percent solution. Start once the roots have formed and the shoots are 1 to 2 inches tall.
Can I use beer or wine instead?
No. Cornell advises against beer and wine because the sugars cause problems for the plants.