Perhaps it's the windy chill that froze our ears on the way to work this morning and made us long for a warmer, gentler season (only four months to go!), but these DIY paperwhite bulbs over at Design*Sponge really thrilled us. An excellent way to bid adieu to the winter doldrums, they'd be even better as an inexpensive and creative hostess or holiday gift.
For black thumbs like me, it's especially appealing because there's no need to mess around with dirt; all you need are a few key supplies (bulbs, gravel, containers) and you’ll always have a gift just minutes away. The key is "tricking" the bulbs (which normally rest during the winter) into thinking it's springtime. Paperwhites usually only bloom when forced.
You can can buy containers from flea markets or thrift stores pretty cheaply, so they're easy to collect throughout the year. Here's how you start:
You’ll want to spread a good layer of gravel down, rest the bulb root side down on top of it, and then cover up just the very bottom of the bulbs with gravel as well. Choose a container that’s large enough for the bulb to breathe and develop a root system; you’ll want to leave about ½ inch between the bulb and the edge of the vase. The idea is that the gravel will provide a sturdy foundation for the roots as the stalks grow in the following weeks. Just add enough water to touch the bottom of the bulb. Make sure to keep the level consistent, the roots dry up quickly and a submersed bulb will rot.
Then just tie it up with a ribbon and a thoughtful card (with care instructions), and you have your gift!
Head on over to Design*Sponge for more photos and follow-up care instructions.
(Images: Design*Sponge)
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Be Careful! Paperwhites are toxic to pets and mildly toxic to humans. All parts are toxic with the bulbs being the most toxic so keep them out of reach of nibbling cats and curious kids! Also, to keep them from growing too big and falling over, you can add some alcohol to the mixture with water. There is a specific percentage of water to alchohol, so look that up first before adding to your blub container.
As much as I love paperwhites, I have a terrible sensitivity to the smell of them and it gives me splitting headaches. I know I'm not the only one, so just be aware.
I am also very sensitive to the smell of paperwhites. Amaryllis would be another great holiday bulb without the strong scent.
I love love LOVE paperwhites. My mom always gives me bulbs for my birthday, which is the first of December. For me, they always signify winter. I love the smell and am thankfully not allergic and there's something so chic and simple about them.
Paperwhites embody the magic of growing plants indoors - they bloom at a time when everything else is slumbering under blankets of white and gray.
A few years ago I worked second shift in a room of cubicles with windows that faced full west. I brought in some paperwhites that I had rescued from the clearance bin after Christmas and planted them in the box they came in. It became a group activity to monitor their progress. One day a blizzard was predicted so we were all grousing about it to each other. It began to snow in late afternoon - fat flakes swirling past the windows as the horizon reddened – and the paperwhites began to bloom. It was amazing to watch them unfold in defiance of winter and the cold.
The amaryllis that I bought at the same time has bloomed repeatedly and still lives in my living room. Every time I try to kill it it springs to life! I haven’t tried hyachinths yet, but I will be scouring the clearance bins again this year.
And thanks for the tip about alcohol – I’ll have to give that a try!