How to Force Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs to Bloom Indoors

The elegant and fragrant Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs are among the most popular bulbs to force into bloom indoors. The bulbs are usually purchased in the fall and then forced into bloom to brighten dreary winter days or to give as holiday gifts.

The fragrant Paperwhite Narcissus blooms and foliage resemble that of smaller varieties of Daffodils, and for good reason. They are in the same family as the cheerful Daffodil that heralds the arrival of spring each year. Until spring bulbs are emerging from the ground outdoors, forcing Paperwhite Narcissus indoors is the next best thing.

Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs usually bloom for about five weeks, so keep extra bulbs on hand and stagger the planting times by about two weeks. This enables fresh bulbs to continue sending up new blossoms that will open at different intervals from fall through the end of winter.

There are two ways to force Paperwhite bulbs into bloom indoors. This first technique will show how to force Paperwhite Narcissus in water and the second method is a more traditional method that uses soil.

How to Force Paperwhite Narcissus in Water

The following items are needed:

a waterproof container such as a shallow decorative bowl or pot without drainage holes
gravel or decorative stones
Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs
sphagnum moss (optional)

1. Begin the process by putting a layer of clean gravel in the bottom of the bowl or pot. Rest the bottom of the bulbs carefully on the gravel and fill in around the bulbs with just enough gravel to hold them in an upright position.

2. Fill the container with water just to where the bulb's end is submerged in the water. Don't submerge the entire bulb as this will cause the bulb to rot. The water will need to be maintained at this same level.

3. For a more decorative look, add sphagnum moss around the top of the container to hide the top of the bulbs and gravel. Don't press the moss close or over the top of the Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs. If the moss gets wet from water refills, just be sure it's pulled away from the bulbs.

How to Force Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs in Potting Soil

The following items are needed:

container with drainage holes.
a handful of clean gravel
good quality potting mix made for houseplants
Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs
sphagnum moss (optional)

1. Start by covering the bottom of the pot with a handful of clean gravel to aid in drainage. The amount of potting soil used will be determined by the depth of the container. The top of the Narcissus bulbs should be above the soil level. Keeping this in mind, put a layer of soil in the bottom of the pot if needed to raise the top of the bulbs level with the pot rim. Fill in the soil around the bulbs.

2. Water the bulbs thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the bulbs evenly moist the entire time.

3. Place a layer of the sphagnum moss around the top of the soil if desired to soften the edges of the pot.

The Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs will benefit from being placed near a sunny window at first. This will aid in starting to break the dormancy of the bulbs. Once they begin to grow and set buds, they will continue to produce flowers in lower light conditions. But do keep them in a cool place away from heater vents so the bulbs will continue to bloom longer.

For gift giving, simply tie a beautiful ribbon around the pot with a note and care instructions. Now sit back and enjoy the smile on the lucky recipient's face!