How to Force Paperwhite Bulbs
Learn how to force paperwhite bulbs indoors for beautiful winter blooms, and discover the simple trick that keeps them standing tall and elegant.
Equipment
- Paperwhite (Narcissus) bulbs
- A container or vessel (bowls, vases, jars, or your favorite vintage finds)
- Small pebbles, gravel, or decorative stones
- Water
- Vodka
- Plastic liner (Optional if your container has drainage holes)
- Ribbon or twine for gifting or styling (Optional)
Instructions
How to Plant Your Paperwhite Bulbs
- Fill your container with about 2 inches of pebbles.
- Nestle bulbs on top, pointy end up, and tuck pebbles around them to keep them in place.
- Add water until it just touches the base of the bulbs. (Do not fully submerge.)
- Place in bright, indirect light and keep the water level at the base of the bulbs as they grow.
- Turn your container every few days so the stems grow straight.
How to Make the Vodka Water Mixture
- Mix 1 part vodka with 1 part water.
- Once the shoots reach about 2 inches tall, start using your alcohol mixture instead of plain water. This helps keep your paperwhites short, strong, and upright.
Notes
Note: After your paperwhites bloom, let the leaves yellow and dry out naturally so the bulbs can store energy. Then remove the foliage and place the pot in a cool, dry spot until fall.
In the fall, water again and place in bright light to encourage new growth.
Paperwhites do not always rebloom indoors, but this gives you the best chance.