Featured Plant of the Week (Paperwhite Kits)
August 26, 2011
Paperwhites
Last week we took a broad look at Daffodils (Narcissus), which is a moderately sized genus of plants with over 50 different species. This time we're focusing just on Narcissus papyraceus, more commonly known as Paperwhites. They're affordable, fragrant, and simple to grow making them an appealing choice to experienced and novice growers alike. They'll be arriving at BloomRite® Gardens as bulk bulbs and potted plants in the coming months, so read on and learn more about why you should carry Paperwhites in your store!
A member of the Narcissus genus that was featured here before, paperwhites are perhaps among the most popular type Daffodil. One reason for this is likely because they are the easiest bulbs to force. Most bulbs require chilling as part of the blooming process, but paperwhites need little or no encouragement to begin producing their famously petite flowers. With a little work, an attentive green-thumb can even get them to re-flower. This makes them a popular bulb for the winter, since they don't need that winter cold to start growing in the first place.
The other reason Paperwhites are probably so popular has got to be their strong fragrance. This scent comes from a compound produced by the plant called indole. It's described as being musky and 'animalistic' in concentrated quantities, which one would think makes the flower smell bad. Bizarrely, this is not the case: in more dilute quantities (such as the amount in a Paperwhite) it lends the flower its signature floral scent.
Planting Paperwhites is extremely easy. First, just fill a shallow bowl or pot half way with your potting medium. Sand works well, but commonly people plant them in small rocks or pebbles. Place the bulbs so that when you fill the rest of the container, they are about half buried, no more. You can bunch them up pretty tightly too; they don't mind some crowding. Then just water them enough to get the base of the bulb wet. Too much more water could cause rot. They should bloom within 4 to 6 weeks with zero forcing needed. If you put them in a warm bright place, they will bloom faster. Putting them in a dark place is okay, but this will cause them to stretch as they seek light.
Continuing care for paperwhites is not much more complex. Just keep the planting mix moist and keep it somewhere warm with full light until the flowers appear. Note that they will try to grow toward the sun, so it's a good idea to rotate the planter to produce straight stems. Once the flowers are open, move the plant to a place with indirect sunlight and cooler temperatures to promote longer flower life.
Getting paperwhites to re-flower is a bit more involved, but is still an easy matter for veteran gardeners. When the blooms die off cut off the flower stalks, then when night temperatures climb above about 35°F you can plant them outdoors. After planting them in the ground use a 5-10-5 fertilizer at the label rate. Over the course of six weeks gradually reduce watering to encourage the bulb to go dormant, and then cut the leaves when they turn brown. Finally, let them stay dry until the rain arrives to trigger new growth.
We're currently offering bulk Narcissus paperwhites in bags of 30 bulbs for $10.50 each. Supplies are limited, so be sure to get them while you can. Furthermore, Nurserymen's Exchange is growing potted Paperwhites for the fall this year. They will come in 4" and 6" pots, priced at $2.95 and $5.95 respectively. The potted plants should arrive on the store floor by Halloween, so place your orders now to guarantee availability!
