How to Plant Paperwhite Bulbs Indoors for Beautiful Christmas Flowers
Planting paperwhites is one of the quickest and easiest ways to bring fresh flowers into the home throughout the festive season. Tall, fragrant, and dazzlingly white, paperwhites are the perfect accompaniment to any seasonal display, and November is the time to get planting. Paperwhites generally take around 4-6 weeks to flower, so if you’re wondering when to plant paperwhite bulbs for Christmas, early to mid-November is the ideal time to get started. You can also plant another batch in mid-to-late November for fresh flowers over New Year.
How to Plant Paperwhite Daffodils Indoors
1. Firstly, you’ll need to choose a container for your paperwhites. You can choose anything, so think what will look good in your house – a traditional pot, a glass vase, or any decorative vase will work.
2. You then need to decide what growing medium you want to use. For a pot, you can use compost, but for a glass vase, you can use small stones or gravel. This will give the roots something to cling onto as they develop, anchoring your bulbs.
3. Tightly nestle your bulbs onto the growing medium in one layer with the pointed end facing upwards. They can touch each other, and planting them close together will help create a beautiful, full display when they flower. If planting in compost, they just need a light covering with the tips still exposed.
4. Water your planter. If using a glass vase, add water until it sits just below the base of the bulbs. The roots will grow down into the water as they develop. If planting in compost, moisten the soil but take care not to overwater.
5. Move your planted paperwhites somewhere that is cool and bright (around 10-15°C) to encourage good, steady root growth. Once this growth is established, you can move them somewhere slightly warmer to help encourage flowering.
6. Check the water levels in your glass vase regularly and top up as necessary, keeping the water just below the base of the bulbs. If you’ve planted in compost, monitor moisture levels and water when needed.
7. Wait for your beautiful flowers to bloom!
Top Tips for Growing Paperwhite Daffodils Indoors
How to Support Tall Paperwhite Stems
Paperwhite flowers grow very tall, and if you haven’t planted them in a tall vase, they may need some additional support. We like to use natural twigs, like birch or beech, as stakes in the pots, as they’re both practical and decorative. This will help stop the stems from collapsing later on.
Elegant Cut Flowers
For added decorative flair, especially if planting in pots, add a layer of fresh moss over the top of the bulbs, making sure there’s enough room for the shoots to grow freely. This adds colour and interest whilst making the whole display feel more natural.
How to Slow Down Paperwhite Growth
If your paperwhites are growing too quickly and you’re worried they’ll flower before Christmas, move them somewhere cooler to help slow their growth.
How to Slow Down Paperwhite Growth
To help your paperwhite flowers last longer, move them somewhere cooler overnight to extend the flowering period.
Now you know how easy it is to grow paperwhite daffodils indoors, why not give it a go this Christmas? With their beautiful white flowers and wonderful fragrance, they’re the perfect way to bring a little festive cheer into your home. Order your paperwhite bulbs today and get planting!
