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| Photo Credit: Donna Moramarco |
| Paper white bulbs are the easiest bulbs to force indoors. |
Roll up your sleeves and dig in – it’s time to force paper whites for the upcoming holidays! Paper whites (Narcissus tazetta) are the easiest bulbs to force indoors. No tricks, no gimmicks – just pure fun, especially for kids (big kids, too). And did I mention their unmistakable fragrance?
They say more is always better, so buy more bulbs than you need. (Loose paper white bulbs are commonly sold in baskets or bins at your local garden center in fall.) Pots of paper whites make excellent last-minute holiday gifts for teachers, family and friends. And if you’re really clever, you’ll save some for forcing later this winter. (It’s best to store these extra bulbs in a cool location – around 45 degrees F – until you’re ready to force them.) Imagine pretty paper whites blooming during January and February (think Valentine’s Day) in your kitchen! So ready? Set? Grow! | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Donna Moramarco | | Caption Text HereThis paper white bulb was just potted. (Note the bulb is sitting on top of the pebbles.) |
Begin this project by doing a quick inventory of what’s needed. (I like to have all my supplies on hand.) There’s nothing worse than starting a project, only to realize that you don’t have everything you need to get it done!
So here’s what you’ll need: - Paper white bulbs (bulbs should be firm, not soft or mushy)
- Clean gravel, marble chips or decorative stone
- Potting soil (if you’d prefer not to use gravel, chips or stone)
- Attractive pottery (Note: Always start with a clean pot – take it to the sink and wash out any soil or residue before you begin potting.)
- Water
Find a convenient place to work, and line out your supplies. I’m ready to start potting – are you?
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