Bulb forcing kit
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Paperwhite narcissus bulbs with pebbles and a low bowl, or soil, for blooms indoors in winter.
What You’ll Need
- Paper-white narcissus bulbs large and top quality
- Water culture: a low, wide container 3 to 5 inches deep with no drainage holes; small pebbles or gravel (pea size up to 1/2 inch) or marbles, washed
- OR soil culture: a container at least 3 to 5 inches deep with drainage holes and potting medium (purchased, or 1 part peat moss, 1 part loamy soil, 1 part sand)
- Thin sticks or bamboo canes for staking
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Directions
- Buy bulbs from mid-September; keep any bought before Oct. 1 dry and airy at 38 to 40 degrees F. Begin potting in October, and plant a new container every 10 days from Oct. 1 to March 1 to get blooms in succession.
- Pebble method: Fill the container half to three-quarters full of pebbles. Set the bulbs close together, nearly touching, about three in a 4-inch container or five in a 6-inch one. Pile pebbles around them to hold them in place.
- Pour water in at the side, keeping the level just BELOW the bottoms of the bulbs, because bulbs rot easily at the base.
- Soil method: Set the bulbs 1 to 2 inches apart with the top third above the rim, press the medium firmly around them, and water from the bottom.
- If you like, keep the pots in a cool (50 to 60 degrees F), dark spot for about two weeks to get shorter stems, then move them to a sunny window.
- Add water when needed, but no fertilizer. Turn the pots daily. Roots take up to three weeks to form (October plantings) or about 10 days (February).
- Stake tall stalks; cooler rooms help flowers last longer. Cut off the stalks after the flowers fade, and throw out the bulbs once the leaves turn yellow. Wash and save the gravel.
Notes
Gift idea, winter. Pack bulbs, a container, and washed pebbles with a care card.
Safety: Narcissus (paperwhite) bulbs, leaves, and flowers are TOXIC if eaten by people, dogs, and cats; label the kit clearly so bulbs aren’t mistaken for onions or shallots, and keep away from kids and pets. Bulb sap can irritate skin; wear gloves. Pebbles and marbles are a choking hazard for small children.