How to Grow a Narcissus in Water

Narcissus plants grow from bulbs that store everything the plant needs to bloom successfully. The bulbs don't require soil to flower when you force them for indoor blooms. They grow successfully when provided with nothing more than water and sunlight. Too much water can cause the bulbs to rot. Elevating the bulbs so they only receive the water they need allows them to grow strong stems and healthy flowers. Yellow daffodils and paperwhites are two of the most commonly forced narcissus varieties.

Plastic bag
Bowl
Pebbles

Instructions

- 1
  Place the bulbs in a sealed plastic bag. Store the bulbs in the refrigerator for 12 weeks prior to forcing. Narcissus bulbs, with the exception of paperwhites, require cold treatment to sprout. Plant paperwhites immediately without refrigerating them first.
- 2
  Fill a shallow, 6-inch-diameter tray or bowl with gravel to within 1/2 inch of the rim. Use clean gravel or pebbles, such as that sold for filling vases.
- 3
  Set six narcissus bulbs on top the gravel, with the flat side of the bulb facing down. Press the bulbs into the gravel lightly so they remain upright. Space the bulbs at an equal distance apart in all directions.
- 4
  Pour water into the bowl until the water level just touches the bottoms of the bulb. Avoid fully submerging the bulb, as this can cause the bulb to rot.
- 5
  Set the bowl in an area that receives bright sunlight all day. Replenish the water in the bowl as it evaporates so the bottom of the bulbs remain in the water. The plants should begin growing and produce their first flowers within a month.

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