In this post, I’m excited to share a delightful video showcasing the 20 paperwhite bulbs that were planted in the dome greenhouse during the first week of January. These are the ‘Ziva’ variety, known for their shorter stature, which prevents them from becoming tall and leggy like many others. This article also features my personal tips for successfully growing paperwhite bulbs in a container.
How to Grow Paperwhite Bulbs in a Container
It’s early winter, and I can’t wait to start growing outdoors. What better place to begin cultivating some fragrant flowers than in my geodesic biodome? Join me in the video below as we embark on this journey. I’ll share a few tips that have helped me successfully grow paperwhites for over a decade, along with insights on creating a healthy, thriving environment.
This video is part of my Bren Haas YouTube Channel. I hope you consider subscribing to my site and bookmark my personal website to get the latest.
Tips on Growing Paperwhites in Containers
First and foremost, choosing the right container is crucial. Opt for something shallow yet wide enough to accommodate the bulbs comfortably. Ensure it has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to bulb rot. As you can see in my feature video I am using just this type of container that has been recycled from a succulent planting.
Next, prepare a well-draining soil mix. A combination of potting soil, sand, and perlite works wonders in providing the necessary aeration and moisture retention. If you don’t have access to mixing your own soil you can use a good indoor potting mix. Place the bulbs close together, with the pointed ends facing upwards, and cover them with about an inch of soil as indicated in the article video. This close spacing not only maximizes the visual impact when they bloom but also supports the stems as they grow.
Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting if indoors. Mine are in a moist soil in the dome with low light so I do not water until a week has passed. Then place the container in a cool, bright location. A spot with indirect sunlight is ideal. As the bulbs begin to sprout, maintain moderate moisture levels, being careful not to overwater.
To encourage sturdy growth, you might consider rotating the container every few days. In the dome I get plenty of indirect light on all sides so this is not needed. Moving the container around with the light ensures even exposure and helps prevent the plants from leaning too much in one direction. Additionally, some gardeners swear by the “alcohol trick”—watering the bulbs with a diluted alcohol solution to keep the stems short and strong but I do not want to waste my vodka on the bulbs!
With a little care and attention, your paperwhites will soon reward you with their fragrant, starry blossoms, bringing a touch of spring into your home even in the depths of winter. Enjoy watching them flourish!
More From The Video
What did you think of the gorgeous geranium bloom in the dome video today? This was grown from seed last year and I’ve been enjoying the plant even in the winter months. Find out more about growing from seed on my website today under the ‘Geraniums from Seed blog post.
Let’s Connect
In conclusion, as I wrap up this video (vlog) and article, my aim is to assist you in thriving during the winter months. I encourage you to subscribe to my channel and bookmark my site for more tips on year-round growth, even in cooler hardiness zones like mine, which is zone 5b.
Wishing you joyful Paperwhite growing,
Bren
