Beat the Winter Blues with Beautiful Paperwhites: A Step-by-Step Guide to Forcing Bulbs Indoors
By Jenelle, Owner of Olivia’s Flower Truck and Shop
Winter can sometimes feel like it’s dragging on forever, especially here in February when the cold days seem endless and the gray skies weigh on your mood. But don't fret—there’s an easy, affordable, and incredibly rewarding way to add some cheer to your home: forcing bulbs like paperwhites! 🌸
Paperwhites are one of the most popular and easiest flowers to force indoors. Known for their fragrant, star-like blooms and bright white petals, these beautiful flowers are the perfect way to bring a bit of spring into your home during the winter months. Plus, they’re quick to grow, often blooming within just 3–4 weeks, making them a fantastic winter project for everyone from beginner gardeners to seasoned plant lovers.
If you’ve never forced paperwhites before, no worries—I’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide to get you started. Let’s dive in!
Pick the Right Container
The first step is to find the perfect container for your paperwhites. You don’t need anything fancy—just a shallow dish, bowl, or jar that doesn’t have drainage holes. The key is to have enough space for the bulbs to sit comfortably while they grow.
Fill with Pebbles or Stones
Once you’ve got your container, fill it with pebbles, stones, or glass beads. The base of the container should be covered by about 2 inches of pebbles. This will help provide stability and keep the bulbs in place while they grow. Plus, the pebbles will make your project look a little more decorative!
Place the Bulbs
Carefully place the paperwhite bulbs on top of the stones with the pointy side up. You don’t need to bury them—just set them on top so that the roots will eventually grow down into the stones. Leave a little space between each bulb; they’ll appreciate having room to grow and expand.
Add Water
Fill your container with water, but be careful not to submerge the bulbs themselves. You just want the water to reach the bottom of the bulbs—this ensures that they have enough moisture to start rooting without rotting. It’s a delicate balance, so check the water level every few days.
Place in a Sunny Spot
Paperwhites thrive with plenty of sunlight. Place your container in a bright spot, like a sunny windowsill, where they’ll get lots of natural light. As the bulbs start to grow, they’ll reach toward the light, so don’t be afraid to rotate them occasionally if you want them to grow in a more uniform direction.
Watch Them Grow!
Within a week or two, you’ll start to see green shoots pushing through the water. In about 3–4 weeks, those shoots will turn into beautiful white blooms. You’ll love the fragrance and how quickly the flowers brighten your space—nothing says “spring” like paperwhites!
Not only are paperwhites stunning, but they’re also low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for forcing indoors. Their white, fragrant blossoms are a refreshing contrast to the dullness of winter, and they’ll help lift your spirits as they bloom right in front of your eyes. They’re also an excellent option for gifting—share the joy of growing with a friend or loved one who could use a little burst of cheer.
So, if you’re ready to beat the winter blues and fill your home with the beauty and fragrance of paperwhites, stop by Olivia’s Flower shop to grab your bulbs today. We’ll even have some decorative pots and pebbles to help you get started!
Happy gardening, and may your February be filled with the promise of spring! 🌿🌷
With warmth,
Jenelle
Olivia’s Flower Truck and Shop
Jenelle@oliviasflowertruck.com
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