- Author: Denise Cottrell
Forcing a bulb, tricking it into blooming without a cold period is popular during the winter as it will produce blooming flowers indoors during winter. Paperwhites, (Narcissus papyraceus) with their delicate white and fragrant flowers, are native to the Mediterranean regions and do not need chilling to stimulate bloom and will easily bloom indoors with the right conditions. However, after blooming, what to do with the bulb? Many discard the plant into the compost, yet if you want to take a chance, and are patient, there is a way to produce blooms once again in your garden.
The bulbs of paperwhites forced indoors and planted in soil, can be re-used if planted outdoors in USDA Zones 8-11. For the plant to flower again, the bulb needs time to restore the nutrients that support growth, Once the blossoms have died, trim off the flowering stalks but not the leaves. The leaves are essential for helping the plant to send nutrients that it will need back to the bulb. Do not cut the leaves. If the foliage is allowed to grow until it turns yellow and dies back, the bulb may store enough energy for reblooming. You can aid the process by giving the plant some bloom fertilizer when it is actively growing.
Once the leaves have completely withered and the temperature and ground are suitable for spring planting, plant the bulbs 6 inches deep in soil that has been amended with 1 inch of compost and 2 tablespoons of super phosphate. Water regularly during the growing season and allow it to dry out slightly during the winter. Come spring, the plant should bloom again. If not, continue to care for it. With adequate moisture and sunlight, it should bloom the next spring.