I'm excited--I just noticed that my paperwhite narcissus bulbs in the garden are emerging from the soil after their summer dormancy. That's a sure sign that our nicer weather has returned. Anyone else growing them outside?

Ironically, I just purchased several new paperwhite bulbs this past weekend so that I can "force" them indoors for winter. Nothing says holidays like the scent of paperwhites. I just plant them in small batches every few weeks indoors in pots and they grow and bloom quickly. When the flowers fade I snip the flowers off (leaving the leaves) and then I plant them outside in full sun (after giving them several days outside to adjust to the more intense light). Each fall afterwards they sprout in October or November and bloom in mid-late winter outside.

I'd say it's a win-win, wouldn't you? If you're growing them in your garden, or forcing them and tossing them, let us hear about them. I'm always suprised at how well they do in our climate, but they really do. Plus, when they go dormant for summer they need virtually no water.

Take care and happy gardening,
Grant

I actually don't like the scent of the regular, 'Ziva' classic paperwhites, but they do remind me of the holidays. I like them much more when they're in the garden as the scent disperses a bit and isn't overwhelming. Some people LOVE the scent though. They really are good landscape plants since they need no water when they're dormant.

Thanks for the replies. Keep them coming anyone else growing them.

Take care,
Grant

And yes, I'll still take an occasional sniff of the blooms, even though I don't love the scent.

Take care all,
Grant

Still smelling the lilies,
Kevin : ])