Winter Gardening: Tips for Beautiful Paperwhite Bulbs Indoors

Paperwhites are a Narcissi (Daffodil) perfect for growing indoors over the winter holiday season. Small but full of character, this flower is one of the easiest bulbs to grow indoors as they do not require a chilling period. You simply put the bulbs in a container, water them and wait. Within 3-4 weeks they will bloom, which is perfect for those looking for a quick turnaround. Paperwhites are unique compared to regular types of narcissi which you plant in the fall and bloom in the spring.

Origin

Native to the Mediterranean region, paperwhites are also called Narcissus papyraceus. Papyrus and aceus together mean paper-like. Because they bloom in December when nearly every other flower doesn’t, paperwhites represent hope and optimism for the beauty of spring returning.

Growing paperwhites

Paperwhite bulbs are the perfect, easy project for the new gardener, or kids. They are easy to get started and you don’t even need soil. Follow these steps for a successful planting:

• Choose a shallow, watertight container (glass or ceramic are ideal).  Fill the bottom 5-8 cm (2-3”) with glass beads, marble chips, or decorative pebbles.
• Place five or more bulbs closely together, so that the bottoms are at the same depth and the pointed ends are up.
• Add more pebbles or planting medium you chose around the bulbs, to keep them in place.  Remember to keep the tips of the bulbs exposed.
• Add water to just below the base of the bulbs, do not submerge bulbs. The bulbs will detect the moisture and start making roots.  Once roots have grown, keep the water level 0.5 cm (1/4”) below the base of the bulb.
• When shoots appear move to a cool, sunny spot.

Varieties

Although the name suggests, not all Paperwhites are white! There are many varieties to suit everyone. So, the question becomes, which paperwhite bulbs should you buy? 

Fragrant Paperwhite Narcissus

• Paperwhite Ziva – this bright and crisp paperwhite is perfect for growing indoors (and outdoors as well). The pure white flowers seem to shimmer in the sunlight and give off a beautiful, musk fragrance. Widely available, Zivas are a popular choice for indoor blooms during winter.
• Chinese Sacred Lily – this delicate and beautiful variety has long been associated with Chinese New Year Celebrations. Plant in January for blooms 3-5 weeks later, just in time for the New Year festivities! Each stem bears 5-10 soft white petaled flowers with orange yellow centers. The delicate fragrance of honey, clove, and citrus is unique and homey.
• Paperwhite Erlicheer – the warm, creamy colours of Erlicheer combined with their beautiful double blooms give off a sense of cozy luxury. Strong stems bearing many double blooms fill the air with a rich, honey-like fragrance.
• Grand Soleil D’Or – for those interested in adding rich, golden colours into their home this winter, Grand Soleil D’Or is the perfect addition. This narcissus has a light fruity aroma and has beautifully rich yellow blooms and orange cups. This variety takes a bit longer to bloom than other indoor narcissus varieties (about 6-10 weeks).

Nonfragrant Paperwhite Narcissus

• Paperwhite Inbal – the starry-eyed blooms of this paperwhite variety look very similar to Paperwhite Ziva, minus the fragrance. Some say this variety is nearly odourless, and just as easy to grow as Ziva. With stunning white petals, Inbal displays a simple yet elegant beauty.

Unique ways to incorporate paperwhites in home décor

• Select a large glass vase or container, plant your paperwhites and fill a portion of the container with cranberries or pinecones.
• Once planted in your chosen container, top with moss for a natural, forest found look.
• Add unique branches, such as ilex for contrast amongst the paperwhite stems.
• Delicately wrap your blooming paperwhites in soft, light weight fairy lights.
• Plant your paperwhites in upcycled kitchenware. Any watertight container will work well. You can try using serving dishes, pitchers, tea cups, canning jars, egg cups, glass candy jars.

Extra tips

• If you’re not planting bulbs right away, they should be kept in a cool dark place (4-10 celsius) in a ventilated plastic bag so they don’t dry out or sprout
• Bloom time is dependent on planting time, so you could plant a few bulbs every few weeks for blooms all season
• If stems get too tall to support themselves, place a branch in your container or tie a decorative ribbon or string around all the foliage to keep it upright.
• If you notice the stems leaning toward the light source, turn the container regularly to keep the stems straight.
• Paperwhites are unique and they will only bloom once.  The bulbs can be composted after the flowers have faded.
• Paperwhites are toxic when ingested, so keep away from children and pets.

To find Paperwhites for this holiday season, visit a retailer near you.

Not sure which retailers carry paperwhites? Check out our Find a Retailer page.

Thinking about filling your home with beautiful blooms this winter season, but not sure if paperwhites are the right fit for you? Check out our indoor blooming amaryllis bulbs. They provide beautiful colour in the winter months and have extraordinary blooms that everyone will enjoy.

Paperwhites are a wonderful way to bring a touch of spring into your home during the cold winter months. With their easy-care nature, quick bloom time, and delightful fragrances, these charming flowers offer the freshness of spring during a time when few fresh flowers can be found. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, growing paperwhites indoors is a fun and rewarding project that will fill your home with both beauty and seasonal cheer.