A paperwhite ( Narcissus tazetta , USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11 ) flower defines itself with several different names , but theNarcissus tazettais the most conversant of the Narcissus pseudonarcissus - in - appearance delicate flowers .
Paperwhites are a perennial type of narcissus , with efflorescence bulb classify as " fond . " Unlike other daffodil bulbs , they do not need a chill flow over the winter months . Israel is the large manufacturer of the long , graceful and elegant paperwhite bulb and flower .
The flower initiate in the Mediterranean region as well as the areas adjacent to Asia . Arab traders introduced them to the Taiwanese about 1,000 years ago , and they were used in commerce .
Since they bloom in early January , the paperwhite is nearly associated with the Chinese New Year . Formosan laborer and immigrant brought the paperwhite with them to America in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush .
The Bulbous Paperwhite
The paperwhite bulb contains all the nutrients necessary for ontogeny . The narcissus is a true bulb in that its leaf grow from the top of the bulb while the roots come out from its bottom .
It thrives underground , with only its shoots come forth from the top , which is n’t covered during its growth time period . The paperwhite ’s bulb , or memory vessel , can be dry out , stored and planted to germinate again .
Growing Paperwhites
Planting paperwhites is as round-eyed as invest the medulla in a smasher of water and beat to encourage flowering , harmonise to Chinese usage . Taiwanese immigrants in the San Francisco Bay Area continued the impost , as they were familiar with the bulbs grown in the Fujian Provence , where many of them were from and where the bulbs most ofttimes originated .
Paperwhite narcissus are the oldest and most widely distribute of theNarcissus tazettavariety , and when planting to flower indoors , group them when planting in potting soil or gravel . Keep the bulbs at a level where only 1 inch of the pointed end of the bulb is exposed . tote up enough piss so that the body of water level reaches the floor of the bulb but go no further .
- The base need to grow , and they do adept when the container is placed in a cool , saturnine place and has adequate drainage yap . * * After two weeks , the container can be moved to a sunny windowpane where it receives direct sunshine .
After about six workweek , anthesis will occur , and fragrant flowers come along . Forcing is best done between late fall and March .
When engraft the bulbs in the ground , spacing is of import . They should be 4 to 6 inch aside and 4 to 6 inches bass in the soil . * * Late wintertime is the opportune time for outside planting of paperwhites . * *
Tip
Extend the life of the flower by place the container in a nerveless environment during the Nox . However , avert freezing temperatures ; 60 ° F is idealistic .
Harvesting Paperwhite Bulbs
Unlike those of the tulip ( Tulipaspp . , zones 3 to 7 ) , hyacinth ( Hyacinthysspp . , zones 4 to 8) and amaryllis ( Amaryllisspp . , zones 8 to 10 ) , attender bulbs , such as the paperwhite , involve special care when harvesting and storing .
- They are grown indoors , or if leave in the ground , they tolerate only warm climates . * * The paperwhite bulb is only salutary for one blooming period when grown indoors .
Forcing Paperwhites
To force paperwhites , meaning growing indoors under specific conditions to produce saltation unfolding , paperwhite bulb can only be used once . Once the anthesis period is over , allow the medulla remain in the potting mix , as nutrients are passed from the efflorescence to the bulb .
Once the flower is yellow and completely died back and the bulb is dormant , replant it in a container with potting dirt and be sure the industrial plant bulb are well spaced and placed in a cool environment . If you are using the bulb for indoor blooming , store them in a paper bag or engagement purse and in a locating where temperatures do not go above 75 ° degree Fahrenheit .
