Fill a shallow vase, or a glass or ceramic container, halfway with small rocks, pebbles or gravel.
Place narcissus bulbs on top of the pebbles, pushing the basal end of each bulb into the pebbles to secure it. Add several bulbs to the container, but don't cram them in or you will bruise the bulbs.
Pour water into the container until it comes to the top of the rocks. The basal end of the bulb should rest in the water, but the water should come up no higher on the narcissus bulb. If water does, it can rot the bulb before it flowers.
Keep the narcissus bulbs in a cool, dark room since excess heat can make the plant appear leggy. Top off the water level as often as needed to keep it in contact with the basal end of the bulb.
Move the bulbs to a sunny location once the roots are developing and the narcissus sends up stalks. Again, look for a cool space over a warm one.