I decided to forgo the plastic containers supplied in the kits and used my own ceramic bowls instead. A small dehydrated puck of soil was supplied that called for two and a half cups of warm water to activate. I set the bowls aside with the soil and water poured over it, when I came back, a few minutes later, it was a towering mound of soil! I used a fork to aerate and de-clump the soil. If you do not have soil, you can place your bulbs among decorative pebbles and/or small rocks, which looks nice if you have a clear container.
To minimize the mess I used the same containers to “grow” the soil and then plant the bulbs. I took out about 1/4 of soil and placed four bulbs, necks side up, on the soil. I covered the bulbs with the remaining soil.
I placed the pots in a cool spot away from direct sunlight (I did place one pot in the window to take the finished product picture.) Now all I have to do is check that they have nice damp soil and when they start to take hold with roots, I will move them to a sunny spot to grow tall and beautiful.
Here is a guide for growing paperwhite bulbs. As a reminder, they can take 3 to 4 weeks to grow, so plan ahead so that they will be blooming for your festivities.
Do you know the trick in using some vodka? Yes, add some to your water and it keeps the tall flowers upright! I know people who swear by this…. I’m trying it right now but my bulbs have just taken root. Not sure how much, but let us know if it works for you?
I love paperwhites but with my black thumb, have never done them myself – I just buy them!! Maybe next year!!