How Do Paperwhite Flowers Grow Best?

Lots of Light

• Gardeners in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10 may plant paperwhite bulbs from September through December, even February in some areas, in a site that receives at least six to eight hours of full sun each day. Paperwhites need a lot of sunlight to grow to their fullest potential. Inadequate light results in long, lanky leaves, tall, spindly stems and weak flowers. Put your indoor daffodils in a sunny window, move them around through the day to areas that receive natural light, or place them near an artificial light source.

Water Properly

• Paperwhite flowers have varying watering needs at different stages in their growth cycle, and their plant site should have well-draining soil. Thoroughly soak the soil once you plant the bulbs, which will start to produce shallow-reaching roots in a few short days. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Paperwhites require adequate moisture during their growing season, but they benefit from a drying out period during summer. If growing your daffodils indoors, use shallow containers without drainage holes. Use soil, gravel or decorative stones to hold your flowers in place. Add water to the container only until it reaches the base of the bulb, but doesn't threaten to saturate it. Maintain that level.

Mild Climates

• Although paperwhites are fairly tough flowers, they grow best in mild environments. Temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit will kill these daffodils, which is why they are such popular houseplants in northern climates. Hot weather may cause paperwhites to wilt in just a few days, but they may last for weeks in ideal conditions.

En Masse

• One of the most popular approaches to growing paperwhites includes mass plantings. A large number of paperwhites in bloom enhances their visual appeal, and the fragrance that the flowers emit is also more noticeable when many of them are grouped together. For a continuous display of blooms, plant groups of four to five bulbs per square foot every two weeks throughout fall.