Forcing paperwhite bulbs indoors is a simple, satisfying project that is both inexpensive and can be done without creating any waste - no fussy packaging to deal with and no plastic pots to dispose of. Plus? Paperwhite blossoms smell amazing.
BULBS
Purchase bulbs in the bulk section at the garden shop. Not only are you not subject to packaging, but you can pick the best bulbs of the bunch. Don't forgot to use your own cloth bags.
PEBBLES
Gather pebbles (or sand, dirt, etc) from the driveway / somewhere nearby or purchase in bulk from the garden shop (again, use a cloth bag!). Bulbs can also be forced in water, check this out.
VESSEL
Find a vessel in your home to use. It can be anything, really - glass vase, pottery piece or terra cotta pot. I used a 10" wide/3" high terra cotta pot that I picked up at the thrift shop some months ago.
ASSEMBLE
1. Fill the bottom of the vessel with pebbles & place bulbs on top of pebbles, root sides down. Bulbs will root into pebbles as they grow. Cram as many or as few bulbs you want into the vessel, however I think the bulbs do best when planted a bit crowded.
2. Water, filling to the bottom of the bulbs. The bulbs should not be floating in water, but water sustains their growth. Water the bulbs daily.
3. Bulbs will bloom in a few weeks .. enjoy watching the progress and the blooms!
4. Once bulbs are all bloomed out, either compost the bulbs or plant outside. Read this article about re-planting forced bulbs. Do not toss them in the trash!
5. Clean the vessel and use for another planting or for forcing bulbs next year. Pour the pebbles back outside!
Forcing bulbs is a beautiful, zero waste (no trash!) project. Natural minimalism!
