Indoor Winter Blooms: Growing Paperwhites and Amaryllis Step by Step

ByJoan Whitaker

Short days and cold weather are a good time to bring a little spring indoors. Two flowering bulbs, paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis, are among the easiest to grow in a sunny window. They do not need weeks in a cold spot first. Garden experts say both can bloom indoors in a few weeks.

Here is a simple way to start, along with an important note about pets and children.

Paperwhites: Blooms in a Bowl of Pebbles

Clemson University’s Home & Garden Information Center says paperwhite narcissus need no cooling period. You can plant more bowls about two weeks apart for blooms from Thanksgiving into late March.

  1. Choose a bowl at least 2 to 3 inches deep, with no drainage hole.
  2. Fill it with gravel, pebbles or sand to about 1 inch below the rim.
  3. Set the bulbs upright on top, pointed end up, and tuck more pebbles around the bottom of each bulb.
  4. Add water to just below the surface of the pebbles. Too much water can rot the bulbs.
  5. Keep the bowl somewhere cool (50 to 60°F) and dim until roots and shoots appear, about two to three weeks. Then move it to a sunny window.

Clemson notes that paperwhites may get top-heavy and need support, and that they bloom only once. Cornell notes that warm rooms (75°F or more) lead to weak growth and short-lived flowers, and that the scent can be strong enough that some people find it too much.

Amaryllis: One Big Bulb, Big Flowers

Clemson says amaryllis can bloom indoors in about four to six weeks without cooling. Cornell’s guide suggests this:

  • Use one bulb per pot, in a pot 2 to 3 inches wider than the bulb, with drainage holes.
  • Use regular potting mix, and leave the top half of the bulb above the soil.
  • Water lightly. Do not overwater.

Keep Pets and Children Safe

The ASPCA lists both amaryllis and narcissus (including paperwhites) as toxic to dogs and cats. The bulbs are the most poisonous part. Signs can include vomiting, drooling and diarrhea. Keep the plants and any loose bulbs out of reach. If a pet may have chewed on one, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Clemson also advises against storing bulbs in a refrigerator drawer in homes with young children, since some bulbs are poisonous.

Safety note: wash your hands after handling bulbs, and lift heavy pots with your legs or ask for help.

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