Celebrate Life With Paperwhite Narcissus

There are so many reasons that we love paperwhite Narcissus, but many people ask “How do I keep narcissus foliage upright?” At the time of year when the days are short and it’s getting cold it’s uplifting to have something that we can watch grow. Paperwhites sprout and grow quickly even when planted on a shallow layer of rocks. They are easy and cheerful. Many people actually appreciate the fact that these bulbs are best thrown in the compost after they finish flowering…this relieves them of the responsibility of keeping the plants alive through the winter. These narcissus are like a long-lived bouquet, and you get to enjoy the entire process from sprout to bloom.

Select bulbs that are firm and have a green sprout. Don’t worry that the sprout might be curved when you buy the bulb…it will straighten out as the plant develops roots and grows.

Place the bulbs on top of a two inch layer of fine rocks or gravel and fill up to the bottom of the bulbs with water. You can use any dish but you’ll need to think about how you’ll be supporting the leaves and stems once they are tall.

These narcissus were planted in a crock pot and once they were tall a bark-covered wire was used to support them.

Another trick is to place the gravel and bulbs at the bottom of a wide, tall glass vase. You can watch the bulbs grow and they are supported by the vase. Easy.

Paperwhite Narcissus aren’t hardy here in the Northeast so we don’t worry about saving the bulbs and planting them outside. Shake off the rocks and toss the plants and bulbs in the compost after the flowers fade.