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Paperwhite Narcissus Flowering Bulbs

During the gray months of winter and early spring, paperwhite narcissus blossoms brighten many homes. Native to the Mediterranean region, paperwhites, or Narcissus tazetta, can easily be forced, which means made to bloom indoors. Unlike many other bulbs, paperwhites do not require an initial 12- to 15-week cooling period in temperatures of 35 to 50 degrees.

To force bulbs, place 2 inches of gravel or potting soil in a shallow dish. Set the bulbs on top of the gravel or halfway into the soil, add enough water to reach the bottom of the bulbs, and place the bulbs in a cool location; do not overwater. When the shoots appear three to six weeks later, gradually move the dish to a sunny area. In hardiness zones 7b through 10, transplant the bulbs to a well-drained, sunny outdoor area; in colder climates, discard bulbs after they bloom. To avoid basal rot, a common disease that causes bulbs to decay, buy only firm, spotless bulbs.

  1. 'Ziva'

    • 'Ziva' is one of the easiest cultivars to force. Its all-white flowers decorate many homes during the winter months. Force 'Ziva' indoors from September through December. Force only two or three bulbs of this variety until you become accustomed to its strong fragrance.

    'Galilee'

    • The white flower of the 'Galilee' variety, with its cream-colored cup, makes an attractive indoor blossom. One of the most popular cultivars, 'Galilee' can be forced from December through February. Some people cannot tolerate the heavy perfume of this cultivar; force only a few bulbs indoors.

    'Constantinopol'

    • 'Constantinopol' is suitable for small areas because its fragrance is more delicate than 'Ziva' or 'Galilee.' It bears a white flower with semi-double petals and a yellow cup. This cultivar does not force as easily as 'Ziva' or 'Galilee,' according to the Miami-Dade University of Florida Cooperative Extension. Do not force large numbers of these bulbs until you become acquainted with their performance.

    'Omri'

    • The 'Omri' cultivar bears an all-white flower. This lightly scented cultivar is suitable for those who cannot tolerate the strong fragrance of other cultivars. Like the 'Costantinopol' bulbs, 'Omri' bulbs are less dependable than more popular varieties. The Miami-Dade Extension advises testing a few bulbs before forcing larger quantities.

    'Chinese Sacred Lily'

    • 'Chinese Sacred Lily' is a showy alternative to other narcissi. According to the Parker County Texas Master Gardeners Association, its white blossoms with yellow centers are larger than those of most paperwhite cultivars. Begin forcing these bulbs in late October to enjoy blossoms through March.

    'Grand Soleil d'Or'

    • With its yellow blossom and golden cup, 'Grand Soleil d'Or' provides a colorful indoor accent during the winter months. This cultivar can be forced from October through March, according to the Clemson University Extension. To enjoy the flowers all winter, force new bulbs every two weeks.

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Bulbs
  1. How to Make a Paperwhite Narcissus Bloom Again
  2. How to Save Narcissus Bulbs
  3. How to Replant Paperwhite Narcissus
  4. How to Keep a Paperwhite Narcissus Alive
  5. Growing Narcissus Bulbs in Water
  6. How to Keep Narcissus Bulbs After Flowering
  7. Propagation of a Narcissus Plant
  8. How to Force a Narcissus Indoors
  9. How to Force a Narcissus
  10. Early Flowering Bulbs
  11. Paperwhite Narcissus Flowering Bulbs
  12. How to Force Narcissus Bulbs

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