August 1996
The fragrance and beauty of Paperwhite narcissus can be yours in January and February if you plan a few weeks ahead. Paperwhite narcissus bulbs can be bought loose or as part of a pre-packaged forcing kit. Unlike many other bulbs, paperwhites can be forced into bloom without a cold treatment.
Place the bulbs pointed side up in a shallow pot or bowl filled two thirds full with gravel, sand, marbles, polished stones, or soil mix. A greater show will result if several bulbs are put in each container close together but not touching. Fill in around the bulbs so they are covered to one-half their height, and water enough to keep stones or other media moist. Put the dish in a cool (about 50 to 55F), dark room for about a week to encourage roots to develop. When green shoots appear, move the bulbs into a filtered sunlight location. Keep the temperatures cool (about 60F) during forcing. In about three more weeks, fragrant clusters of white, cream, or yellow flowers will appear.
These bulbs are easy to force to bloom indoors, and the fragrance is a luxurious treat in the middle of winter. Just be sure to plant a few extras as gifts for friends or to take to the office!
(From "Plan for Early Spring Indoors this Winter," by Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Consumer Horticulture, Virginia Tech, in Home and Garden Notes, September/October 1981.)