Skip to Content

Paperwhite Growing Instructions

Paperwhites are easy-to-grow flower bulbs that bring a hint of spring indoors over the winter months. These fragrant flowers are in the same family as Daffodils, or Narcissus. These powerhouse bulbs produce multiple flowers on multiple stems. Plant bulbs in two-week intervals for a constant display of flowers. Follow the steps below for planting your Paperwhite Bulbs and Paperwhite Growing Kits!

Watch: Planting Paperwhites

 

Planting Instructions For Paperwhite Bulbs

Paperwhite bulbs do not need deep soil to grow, so you have many decorative options for bowls, dishes, vases, and flower pots for planting Paperwhite bulbs.

Our Paperwhite Growing Kits come with 1 Flower Pot, no-fuss growing medium, 5 Paperwhite Bulbs, and complete instructions, making it easy to plant right away. They also make great gifts!

  1. 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.
  2. Water the bulbs thoroughly until the soil is soaked. Allow time for the soil to absorb enough water so it is thoroughly soaked, but not soggy. 
  3. Place your pot in a sunny, warm location. Paperwhites are tropical bulbs and prefer temperatures around 70°F. If you place your Paperwhites for 3 to 4 weeks in a cooler place (45-55° F) directly after planting, they generally stay shorter which prevents them from falling over when in full bloom. Water only when the soil is dry - too much water can cause the bulbs to rot.
  4. In 6 to 10 weeks you'll have a mass of pure white, multiple blooming Paperwhites. When the plants begin to flower, remove them from direct sunlight for longer enjoyment. Flowers grow toward the light; so to ensure straight stems, turn the vase regularly. 

Planting Instructions For Glass Vase Kits

Paperwhite Glass Vase Kits contain 1 Glass Vase,  1 Paperwhite Bulb that will produce several flowers, and complete instructions. These make great gifts as well!

  1. Place bulb in vase, and note the base of the bulb. Remove bulb and fill the vase with water to just below where the base of the
    bulb was.
  2. Place bulb in vase, and ensure the bulb is not touching the water. The water should not touch the bulb. If the bulb sits directly in the water, it will rot.
  3. Place the vase in a sunny, warm location. Paperwhites are tropical bulbs and prefer temperatures around 70°F. If you place your paperwhites in a cooler sunny spot (40-55°F) directly after planting for 3-4 weeks, the stems will stay shorter, which prevents them from falling over when in full bloom. After 3-4 weeks, move to a warmer sunny spot to encourage flowering.
  4. Every week for the next several weeks, add to or replace the water in the vase. Always ensure the bulb is not touching the water.
  5. Flowers grow toward the light; so to ensure straight stems, turn the vase regularly. 

Shop Paperwhite Bulbs & Kits For Fragrant Winter Blooms

No products to display