How to Replant Paperwhites

Paperwhite narcissus resemble pure white versions of their relative the daffodil. These perennial bulb flowers are often forced in pots for indoor winter blooms. Once forced, the bulbs must replenish their nutrient stores if they are to bloom again. Replanting them into the garden allows the plants to collect the sun and soil nutrients they need so they can resume blooming in one to two years. As a tender perennial, paperwhites can only be replanted in the garden in warm climates, mainly in USDA gardening zones 8 through 10, but pot replanting works in nearly all climates.

Pot
Potting soils
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 6- to 8-inch-diameter pot with potting soil. Use a soil that is rich in organic matter, such as one that contains compost.
- 2
  Lift the paperwhite bulbs from the old pot once the flowers die off. Leave the foliage in place.
- 3
  Plant the bulbs into the new pot so the tops of the bulbs sit 2 to 3 inches beneath the soil surface. Plant two to three bulbs per 8-inch pot.
- 4
  Water the soil until the excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Water the pot when the top 1/2 inch of soil begins to dry.
- 5
  Set the pot outdoors in an area that receives full sunlight once all frost danger is past. In areas with late-season frosts, place the pots indoors in a window that receives full sunlight.
- 6
  Fertilize the plants every two weeks with soluble balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label. Stop all fertilization once the foliage yellows and dies back in early to mid-summer.
- 7
  Bring the pots indoors in fall before the first expected frost. Set them in a warm, sunny window and keep the soil moist but not soggy. New growth should appear in spring.

Are There Blue Tulips?

How to Store Paperwhites

Bulbs