The distinctive smell of paperwhites when it's cold outside and the garden is dormant evokes the promise of spring. The scent reminds us that growth and life is possible in the bleak winter. Star-shaped florets are reminiscent of the night sky. Making them perfect for whatever festival of light you happen to celebrate!
Set them on your dining room table as a holiday centrepiece, give them as presents, or make it into a fun activity for the whole family. Plant them between mid-fall and the new year, and place them in a bright, cool spot. They will take 3-4 weeks to bloom.
“Forcing” Paperwhite bulbs to bloom indoors (tricking them to think it’s spring) is a lovely wintertime tradition. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should!
Bulbs are affordable at $2.50 a piece; cut narcissus range from $4 to $5 per stem. The bulb route is definitely more cost effective! It’s fun, and foolproof, for children to plant them up and watch them grow! The flowers will bloom for up to 3 weeks. If the scent gets too intense, snip out some blooms and put them in a bud vase in another room.
• Rosie, owner Quince Flowers
