In the rush of Christmas and planting outside bulbs, I almost forgot to buy my Narcissus Paperwhite bulbs to force inside! I ran into Home Depot hoping to find some, and sure enough, they did have a few left on display. They came in a pack of 4, which was enough for me so I just bought 1 package. These are so easy to force. You just position them in potting soil, water some, put them in good light or by a window..and just wait.
It wasn't anytime before they started to shoot up. I kept them in the kitchen at first, but they starting growing so tall, I had to move them to the family room. It's funny though, every year it seems like there is always one that grows much taller than the others. Why is that??
And now, I have pretty blooms starting to open. See the red ribbon? Once the paperwhites start to bloom, they have a tendency to fall over. Top heavy I guess. I picked up a ribbon I had and tied the stem to a green stake which solved the problem.
I don't have many house plants, but I think this little group adds a nice touch of "garden" to my home. Just what I need on these dreary winter days! (One note: Paperwhites have a rather "unusual" scent which does bother some.) If you have never forced bulbs, you need to try it. It will brighten any one's day!"A flower touches everyone's heart!"
Georgia O'Keefe
13 comments:
TOO COOL!! ok, you know I know next to nothing about plants...do these Paperwhites come back each year or are they a one time beauty? They sure are pretty at such a dull time of year :-)
I have never tried to grow them in the house but they sure are pretty! I bet it adds a lot of Spring like feelings to the room!
I had a friend who every year forced crocus in her window and I loved to see them blooming there. I do that(-: The other thing is a sprig of forsythia or star magnolia. That will bloom too. So pretty and easy to do! I always forget until they are in bloom!(-:
I love them! They are one of my favorite bulbs; the scent is heavenly.
JJ--after they bloom indoors, you can let the green stems die back, then take the bulbs outside and plant them and have blooms outside the next year. I usually just buy more to force inside since I enjoy the process so much.
Cindee--I use to force blooms from the Bradford pear trees. They took a long time, but were sure pretty. I also would like to try forcing hyacinths one of these days. You force them in water, no soil. I love them outside--mmmm, smell so good!
Nola, so you like the scent? Some just hate it, but I like it too. They are so nice to see blooming on a dreary January day!
Never done paperwhites but I'd like too. You have me most curious as to what they smell like? Good? Sweet? Sticky? Just can't imagine it. Such a nice way to garden inside during the dreary days.
Tina, the scent is sweet I guess, but not sweet like honeysuckle- more like a star-gazer lily. Because the flowers are clusters at the top of the stem, the smell is not overpowering. Star Gazers are so big, their scent can be too much. I love to watch the paperwhites shoot straight up, then bloom. I have never had bulbs that didn't grow!
Have a great weekend!
Now I can understand stargazer lily smell. I think I'd love it!
They are so very pretty, aren't they? But I can't take the smell! I've got amaryllis that will bloom soon, and no strong odor to get the way. LOL Yes, you are right to buy small bouquets of flowers to get you through a long winter. Today, I picked up the sunniest of them all, daffodils.
Hello there Linda !
I love your paperwhites and wow ! they are tall .. but staking them some how really does help doesn't it ? We (the guys and I ) are rather allergic to that unusual scent so I can't do them here but I love seeing them on other blogs like this : )
Joy
Robin, I do love buying daffodils. Our stores don't have them yet, but when they do, I will buy a bunch or 2 until mine start to bloom.
Joy, I have to stake them or they fall completely over. Yes, the scent can be rather strong, but I am fine with just this one pot.
And..to answer your question from your blog on my Bradford....it was tall and straight up until it got older. Then it was large and sprawling...I loved it so much. It shaded my entire little yard and created such a private retreat-like a secret garden. sigh...
Tina...see what I mean about the smell...there are those that do not like it. Just this one pot is fine--you don't even notice it much.
These are some of the things I like about your blog and your postings. The little quotes. The reminder of some of the simple things in life (I love soup and cocoa, etc). The exposure to all these plants and the joy you have with them. THANKS!!!
Linda, my paperwhites are budding up nicely so I hope to share their blooms within the week! Careful, by the way, forcing bulbs indoors gets addictive!
mr--what sweet things to say. I'm glad you enjoy my blog and the simple things I write about!
Cindy, what else have you forced inside? I want to try hyacinths, but never seem to remember until it is too late. Maybe next year! Anxious to hear about your paperwhites.
Post a Comment