Paperwhites Made Simple: Tips, Tricks, and the Best Variety to Grow
Paperwhites are a quintessential winter bulb, bringing life and beauty to even the chilliest of seasons. These cheerful dainty clusters of blooms are the perfect pick-me-up for a windowsill garden. But not all Paperwhites are created equal, especially when it comes to their scent! I often attend “Holiday Markets” around during the holidays and I regularly hear how people either love or hate the scent of paperwhites. To the haters, I respond with, “well you probably haven’t tried these paperwhites. These are the most mildly scented on the market so you get to enjoy their cute clusters of flowers without being run out of a room.” It’s kinda like people that say they don’t like wine or beer, when in reality they probably just haven’t found the right one yet.
"Nir" Paperwhites Are Not Their Stinky Cousins…
If you've ever hesitated to grow Paperwhites because of their famously strong fragrance, let me introduce you to "Nir" Paperwhites—a game-changer for your indoor garden. Known as the most mildly scented variety on the market, "Nir" lets you enjoy all the charm of Paperwhite blooms without an overwhelming aroma. Whether you're new to growing bulbs or a seasoned plant lover, this variety is sure to win you over. “Inbal” is another great option, however, it must be grown in soil. It does not force well in water.
Tips for Growing Paperwhites Indoors
Growing Paperwhites indoors is simple and rewarding. Here’s how to ensure success:
Planting: Nestle your bulbs in a shallow pot with well-draining soil or decorative pebbles. When planting in soil, do not bury the bulb. You really just need the roots in contact with the soil.
Water: If growing with water only, add just enough water to reach the bottom of the bulb, keeping the roots moist but not soggy. If growing in soil, make sure the soil is moist when first planted then I recommend checking the soil weekly by using the best hygrometer on the market— your finger. If the top two inches of soil are moist, don’t water. Check again next week. People kill bulbs most often by overwatering which causes them to rot so don’t overlove your plant.
Light: Place them in a bright location. Without enough light, Paperwhites can grow leggy and stretch too tall. A sunny windowsill is ideal. Alternatively, you can switch out a lamp light bulb for a full spectrum grow light. I’ve linked a set here that happens to be on sale at the time of writing this.
Temperature: Cool room temperatures (around 60-65°F) will help your blooms last longer. This is best practice, but seeing as most people don’t keep their homes that cool, simply move the arrangement away from bright light when it starts to bloom.
With proper care, your Paperwhites will reward you with vibrant blooms in as little as 3-4 weeks!
Perfect Gifts for the Season
Looking for a thoughtful gift that’s both beautiful and easy to care for? We’ve combined "Nir" Paperwhite bulbs with one of the handmade pottery pots from 580 Pottery available in my shop. These pots are carefully crafted, making them the perfect teacher or hostess gift. Add a personalized note, and you have a gift that’s as heartfelt as it is elegant. And as an added bonus, you’re supporting two small businesses and artists. These little pots are a hit and going fast! I had to place another order with my friend, Sam. They are probably in the kiln as you’re reading this.
Create Your Winter Bulb Garden
My Winter Bulb Garden Shop is stocked and ready to bring seasonal joy to your home. From the mild and elegant "Nir" Paperwhites to handmade pots and Specialty Jumbo Amaryllis, everything you need to grow beauty indoors this winter is just a click away.
Let Paperwhites brighten your winter days, and don’t forget to grab a few extra for those you want to surprise with a little bloom-filled magic this season.
Nicole “EXCITED FOR THE HOLIDAYS” Dillon
Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA | Zone 7b
