How to Grow Paperwhites

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is growing paperwhites. I grow them every year, I experiment with different dishes and mediums, and I love the delicate, fragrant blooms. Let me show you how to grow paperwhites, one of the simplest ways to add a little nature to your holiday decor … and it’s even easy for those of us with not-so-green thumbs {wink}.

To grow paperwhites, you’ll need paperwhite bulbs {affiliate}, any type of container, and fillers, if desired.

The great thing about paperwhites is they can grow in almost anything. They don’t have to be placed in dirt, they just need water and sunlight.

Place the bulbs in a jar, a flat dish, or a planter. Any container will work. You can place one bulb in each container or place a few of them together for a beautiful bouquet.

Add water to the bottom of the bulb and wait for it to root, keeping the water filled to the bottom of the bulb. Once the rooting takes place, the stems will begin to grow and once the green stems are tall, the delicate flowers will bloom at the ends. If you time it just right, you’ll have gorgeous blooms just in time for Christmas!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with some different ideas with your paperwhites. Add some vinyl to mason jars …

… and plant the bulbs in small jars placed inside larger jars, then surround them with silver or gold bells, fresh cranberries, or colorful Christmas ornaments. The bulbs can be placed directly into rocks or beads but if there’s a chance of rust or acidity {as with bells and cranberries}, protect the bulbs and roots inside other jars.

Once the paperwhites bloom, you’ll have a lovely and festive centerpiece that smells amazing! And the tiny flowers are just the most perfect thing!

And when the paperwhites grow really tall and start to flop, embrace the whimsy that it adds or tie them up to each other so they’ll continue to stand tall.

Paperwhites are so perfect for the holiday season and once you grow them, you’ll want them blooming in your home every year!