Fragrant, snowy white flowers atop grasslike foliage make paperwhites ( Narcissus) favorite indoor plants in winter. Forcing the bulbs to bloom for the holidays — ahead of their normal spring cycle — couldn't be easier: Just nestle a few bulbs among pebbles in a water-filled bowl and set them in a cool place with bright daylight until buds start to swell (typically in three to four weeks). Then display them on an entry or dining table singly or in clusters of three, as pictured. A single bulb-filled bowl also makes a perfect hostess gift for a holiday party (just be sure to plan ahead so the plants will be ready to bloom in time for the party).

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Unlike some bulbs, paperwhites don't require chilling, so you can force them as soon as you get them. They'll bloom for up to two weeks.

For bloom by Christmas, start bulb bowls by late November.

ASSEMBLY TIME: 5 to 10 minutes.

COST PER BOWL: $10 to $15 for bulbs and materials.

MATERIALS

• A small glass bowl about 3 in. deep and 5 in. wide

• Small earth-toned pebbles (about ½-in. diameter; available at aquarium-supply stores)

• Three paperwhite bulbs

• Water

Rob D. Brodman
Step 1
Rob D. Brodman
Step 2
Rob D. Brodman
Step 3

Step 1

Pour about 1 in. of pebbles into the bottom of the bowl. Set the bulbs on the pebbles, leaving about ¼ in. between them.

Step 2

Add more pebbles around the bulbs to cover at least the lower two-thirds of each one. (Paperwhite roots are vigorous and can push bulbs out of their containers, so it's important to nestle bulbs firmly among the stones.) Tops of bulbs should sit just above the rim of the bowl.

Step 3

Fill the bowl with water just up to the base of the bulbs, then put it in a cool place (40° to 50° at night) with bright daylight. Check daily and keep water level at base of bulbs as roots and foliage grow.

To minimize floppy foliage (classic paperwhites grow 14 to 18 in. tall), display the blooming bulbs in a cool place (60° is ideal) with bright indoor light.

Another way to help keep foliage from flopping is to add alcohol to the water, using a formula developed by Cornell University researchers (download "Pickling your Paperwhites "): After roots develop and stems have grown about 2 in. tall, replace the water in the bowl with a mix of 1 part 80-proof liquor (gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey all work) to 7 parts water. Continue using the mix for the rest of the growing season.

More: A guide to choosing and caring for your favorite bulbs