Paperwhites

[shirlthegirl43]

In an attempt to cheer myself up, I have just been for a walk to the garden centre. I bought 5 Paperwhite bulbs. Now I grew these from a kit years ago and loved the scent but I can't remember how to treat them.

Is it okay to bung them in a pot of compost and stick them on the windowsill or am I too late to get them to flower for Christmas?

[bramble]

Its ok to just bung them in a pot on the windowsill but am not sure if they will make it for Christmas. My guess would be they will not but i hope you prove me wrong.
Good luck Shirl and lets know how you get on.

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks Bramble. Maybe if they don't make it for Christmas they will be ready for me to enjoy for my birthday

[JennieAtkinson]

Are these paperwhite "daffodils" Shirl?
I planted two pots, two weeks ago with paperwhite daffodils and they are already sprouting!

[shirlthegirl43]

Are these paperwhite "daffodils" Shirl?
I planted two pots, two weeks ago with paperwhite daffodils and they are already sprouting!

Yes Jennie, thought that was the only type of paperwhite you got, please forgive my lack of info.

[kentvegplot]

You will probably have them in flower way before Xmas, if my experience is anything to go by..it seems impossible to hold them back!

I use bulb fibre, but I believe you can 'plant' them on water, with some charcoal to keep the water sweet.

They also seem to like a fairly deep pot - and that makes it easier to put some sticks in to support them, as they can be quite tall.

Good luck with yours - going to plant mine soon now you've reminded me

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks for that. Mine will have to make do with general purpose compost as that is what I have.

Off to plant them now.

[shirlthegirl43]

Update time.

I planted the bulbs on 29 October. The first flowers are open today!!!

Boy do those things grow fast.

Next question, can I slow them down so I still have some flowers at Christmas?

I know, some people are never happy!

[JennieAtkinson]

Wow Shirl! Mine are just buds, but I thought that was good for up here.

[shirlthegirl43]

Mine went from 3 inch high with a bud to open in 4 days Jennie. Yours probably won't be long.

I think I will try them in a cooler place while I am on my holiday. Trouble is, I have to hope my sons remember to turn the pot round so they don't grow wonky!!

I wonder if they would be okay moving to the frost free greenhouse - at least they will get all round light?