If you long for spring daffodils during the bleak days of winter, paperwhites are a close relative that you can force indoors at almost any time of year to make it feel like spring even on a snowy day. Like amaryllis bulbs, paperwhites require no chilling period before forcing. Simply put them in soil or a bowl filled with water, and within a few weeks you will be enjoying their dainty, daffodil-like blooms. If you live in a warm southern climate, you can also plant paperwhites outdoors in the garden, where they will bloom in early spring.

FORCING PAPERWHITES INDOORS

You can plant your paperwhites in potting soil or in shallow containers of water with some pebbles or decorative stones added to keep them in place. Note that some paperwhite varieties will force better in soil than in water alone, so be sure to read the guidelines on the bulb package before planting.

Growing paperwhites in soil:

Find a shallow pot (about 4 to 5 inches deep) with holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill until about three-quarters full with an indoor potting mix and plant the bulbs with the pointed ends facing up, allowing the tips to peek above the soil. Water well, allowing the water to drain through the holes.

Growing paperwhites in water and pebbles:

For this method, use a container without drainage holes so it can hold water. Fill it about halfway with your choice of pebbles, marbles, decorative stones, or glass beads and set the bulbs on top. Pack more pebbles around the bulbs to hold them in place, leaving the pointed tips exposed, and then add water to a level no higher than the base of the bulbs. Add more water as needed to maintain this level as the plants take root and grow.