Flower Development in Paperwhites

Conditions

• Paperwhite flowers develop best when temperatures are optimum. When just starting to force paperwhites, you'll want to keep the temperature cool, no more than about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For the best display possible, plant four to six bulbs together in a container.

Growing

• About three weeks after setting your paperwhite bulbs in a container to force bloom, you'll see creamy white flowers begin to appear. Now they'll want daytime temperatures to be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees or so.

Maintenance

• The best way to maintain long lasting bloom is by keeping the soil moist and providing bright light near your paperwhites. Storing paperwhite bulbs also effects the length of time it takes for blooming. Bloom time will be only two weeks when bulbs are forced in February as opposed to one month for bulbs forced in October. The longer you store your paperwhite bulbs, the faster they'll bloom.