Paperwhite Narcissus

This week (November 2022) at our Holiday Happenings program we gave away several door prizes, including a paperwhite narcissus kit. Paperwhites are routinely sold in stores this time of year. Like Amaryllis, you force them into bloom in your home. 

Many bulbs are easy to grow indoors for seasonal display and beauty. Narcissus, also called daffodil, are available in many types and colors. Large and small trumpet flowers are available in yellows, creams, and white. 

The paperwhite narcissus is the one most commonly sold for forcing indoors. The boxed bulb kit includes a pre-cooled bulb that is all ready to bloom indoors. Simply pot up and water thoroughly to get it started. 

You can also start your own indoor bulb garden. Almost any bulb will work. Plant the bulbs in pots or bowls, using an indoor soil mix. Place the bulb tips at or slightly above the soil surface. Water thoroughly. Keep planted bulbs dark and cool (35 – 400F) for about 8 weeks. Most people put them in the refrigerator or a cool garage. 

Whichever method you use, once the bulb starts to grow, keep it in a warm, bright location. Do not fertilize. Continue to water as needed. After flowering, either throw away or you can try to keep it for reblooming. Unfortunately, precooled bulbs from kits are often hard to get to rebloom. 

If you try the paperwhite, I must warn you to be prepared. Paperwhites have a very distinctive smell that most people do not find pleasant. It doesn’t bother everyone, but some people really don’t like the odor. Still, it is a beautiful flower and worth trying. 

By the way, there is always confusion over the names of this flower. They are called narcissus, daffodil, and jonquil and many people think all three are synonymous. Narcissus is the generic name and is also used as a common name. Daffodil is a common name that was brought here by the English. Jonquil, however, refers to a specific flower type (Narcissus jonquilla) that has a reed like leaf and sweet-smelling flowers. 

Narcissus is a classical Greek name. According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who became so entranced with his own reflection that the gods turned him into a flower. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember this is National Family Week.  Take time to share and reminisce with your family. Do not let the hectic meal preparations stand in the way of quality time with your loved ones.

Originally Published in Canton Ledger Column on November 23, 2002