Creating Holiday Magic: Forcing Paperwhite Bulbs for Fresh, Fragrant Blooms
One of my favorite holiday traditions is forcing paperwhite bulbs to fill my home with their fresh, fragrant blooms just in time for Christmas! There’s something magical about watching them grow day by day, adding a touch of nature to the season. It is so easy to do, and the sensory nostalgia you’ll create will make you want to do this year after year. A new tradition!
Simple traditions like this ground us in the season, and blooming paperwhites bring a touch of nature indoors. I do this each year, and this year I am even forcing single bulbs in small vintage sherbet cups to give as gifts. Fortunately, it’s not too late (November 6) for you to get them started so you’ll have blooms for Christmas. Follow my easy step-by-step guide!
Supplies Needed for Forcing Paperwhites
Paperwhite Bulbs: I buy mine from Sam’s Club because you can get a lot of bang for your buck. 24 bulbs for just over $21!
Vintage Vessels: I especially love vessels with a pedestal, and I typically opt for brass, silver or glass.
Spanish Moss and/or Reindeer Moss
Water
Step-by-Step Guide to Forcing Paperwhite Bulbs
Step 1: Pick Your Container
Choose a container that you want to look at all season! That’s my biggest advice. Consider where you want to place it and decide if ceramic, glass, brass, silver or even a terracotta pot is best. You do not need an “official” planter, as paperwhite bulbs are not planted in soil — they are nestled into rocks/stones to grow.
Step 2: Add Your Pebbles/Stones
I layer my pebbles and stones to fill about 3/4 of the vessel.
Step 3: Nestle in Your Bulbs
Nestle you bulbs snugly on top of the stones pointy side up, making sure they are stable. Three quarters of your bulb will be above the stone level.
Step 4: Water
Add just enough water to reach the bottom of the bulbs. Don’t soak them, or they will rot.
Step 5: Sprouting and Daily Care
For the first week or so, place your bulbs in a cool and dark location to sprout.
After they sprout, move them to indirect sunlight, and watch them grow!
Keep the water level to just at the base of the bulbs and rotate occasionally so the bulbs will grow straighter.
What to Expect from Your Forced Paperwhite Bulbs
Paperwhites tend to bloom 4-6 weeks after planting, and blooms will last 1-2 weeks. You’ll enjoy watching their progress daily, and you may need to stabilize the stalks as they grow. I like to use vintage, velvet or festive ribbon to tie my stalks together with a cute bow.
I seem to always have one bulb in the bunch that is an overachiever. I like the whimsy that their uneven growth provides, but if you want you stalks to grow at about the same pace, you can give them booze. Yes, booze! You can water your bulbs with one part alcohol to seven parts water. Make sure it’s a 40% distilled spirits like gin or vodka. I have never tried it, but I have seen tons of folks on the ‘gram testify that it works! This stunts them and helps prevent them from becoming too leggy.
Some people find the fragrance a bit strong. If that’s you or your guests, I suggest putting them in an out of the way location where you will still be able to view them, but they won’t be in your regular living and dining space. They also make a great holiday addition to your outdoor living spaces, provided the spaces are covered and not subject to soaking rain.
Creative Ways to Style Paperwhites in Your Home
Incorporating paperwhites into holiday decor is rather easy — from centerpiece arrangements to styling with garlands, candles, and other holiday accents on your entry tables, coffee tables, accent tables and dining buffets. I also like integrating several vessels full in with my garland on my mantel.
To make them even more special, use a container that has a personal meaning or story behind it — maybe it’s your grandmother’s vintage Chinoiserie footbath, the champagne or ice bucket you used for a special occasion or the soup tureen from your favorite China set that you never use for its actual purpose!
I hope you will try forcing paperwhites this season and perhaps make it a new holiday ritual. Let me know you plan to give it a go in the comments below — or tell me about one of your favorite holiday preparation traditions!
If you do, tag me on Instagram (@brittanyshepard) so that I can see your beautiful creations and watch them grow with you!
*Some photo sources linked here (commissionable link).