Often asked: How Long Do Paperwhites Take To Bloom?

Paperwhites will bloom about four to six weeks after planting, so plan accordingly if you want flowers for the holidays or other special occasions.

How long does it take for paperwhites to bloom inside?

After planting, keep the bulbs in a cool, 65 degree, dark room for several weeks until the roots take hold and shoots start to sprout from the bulbs. Then place the containers in a cool, sunny location. In 4-6 weeks, you’ll see tiny blossoms on the flower stems.

Will paperwhites bloom a second time?

Paperwhites are often found in homes, blooming with starry white flowers that help dispel the cobwebs of winter. Sometimes if you plant them outside in USDA zone 10, you may get another bloom the next year but usually paperwhite bulb reblooming will take up to three years.

How do I force paperwhites to bloom?

Paperwhites are very easy to force in either moist potting soil or water. The water trick is the simplest: Stick bulbs part-ways into clean gravel, glass beads, or other loose material in which roots will grow and intertwine to support the top-heavy growing plants so they don’t tip over.

Do paperwhites grow back every year?

To grow paperwhites outdoors, plant them any time from fall through spring. The leaves supply the energy the plant needs to produce flowers during the next season. In warm climates, paperwhites are less demanding than other narcissus varieties. With this minimal care, they’ll come back from year to year.

How often should you water paperwhites?

Check the bulbs frequently and water thoroughly when the potting mix is dry 1″ below the surface (but not more than once a week until the bulbs begin active growth), or when the water level is more than 1″ below the stones or glass in your vase.

What to do with paperwhites after they bloom indoors?

About six weeks after the paperwhite blooms, turn the pot on its side and store it somewhere where it will not freeze, such as a garage or basement. In the fall, turn the pot upright, place it in the sun, water the bulb thoroughly and continue watering until the paperwhite blooms again in the spring.

Can I reuse paperwhite bulbs next year?

When paperwhite bulbs are forced, they cannot be reused or regrown; however, when planted in soil and allowed to grow and bloom on their timing, you can reuse or regrow paperwhites every year. Plan on planting your paperwhites outdoors in October or November in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11.

Will paperwhites rebloom indoors?

Paperwhites can be grown indoors and forced to bloom during the holiday season. With the proper care, you can save and preserve paperwhite bulbs to bloom again. However, they do require time to replenish their energy stores, and may not re-bloom for two or three years.

What to do with paperwhites after they bloom UK?

But don’t chuck them: store them. When they’ve finished flowering, leave them in their pots for the following year, or dry them off, leaving the leaves to shrivel on the bulb, and re-pot them again late next year.

Why are my paperwhites not blooming?

Either they were grown in a room that’s too warm (above 65°F) or they didn’t get enough light. For stocky plants, grow the bulbs in a cool room (50-60°F) and make sure they get lots of bright, indirect light. Once you see buds, move the pot into your living area.

How long do paperwhites last?

How Long Do Paperwhites Last? Paperwhites will bloom for about 2 weeks. After that, snip off the faded flowers and either enjoy the green leaves as a houseplant for a few more weeks or drop the bulbs and leaves in the compost pile.

How do I stunt my paperwhites?

Unlike most other daffodils, paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) do not require a cold period. They are simply planted in pots with soil, or even more commonly, in dishes or bowls with gravel, marbles or other decorative material. With a little water, they rapidly form roots, grow leaves and shoots.

Can you plant paperwhites in soil?

Planting Instructions For Paperwhite Bulbs Fill a pot or dish halfway with soil or gravel. You’ll want at least 2 inches of soil or gravel for drainage. Set the bulbs gently in the soil or gravel, and pack more soil around the bulbs, leaving the tips visible. Water the bulbs thoroughly until the soil is soaked.

What do you do with bulbs after they bloom indoors?

The care after flowering is important if attempting to save forced bulbs. After blooming, remove the spent flowers and place the plants in a sunny window. Water regularly until the foliage begins to yellow. At this point, gradually cut back on watering until the foliage withers and dies.