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Monday, December 3, 2012

Advent Calendar 2012 - Christmas Paperwhites

Christmas Paperwhites. You still have time to force your bulbs! My first batch is already in bloom. They've only been planted for barely 3 weeks. Their heady scent fills our living room adding a sweet top note to the cedar boughs that have found their way into our home for the season.

I had snagged these flower bricks at an estate sale. Purchased all they had. You can find some HERE. This one is called Williamsburg blue. I also have them in the holly pattern. They come with an insert for the top that has holes into which you can place flowers for flower arranging easy as pie. I used them without the top, filled them pretty full with small white rocks available at any garden supply store/dept. Placed the bulbs on top and then watered to cover the bottom of the bulbs. Placed them in a sunny kitchen window and watched them come to life!

This is the earliest I've ever had them come to life. Could it be that West Texas has it's season's confused and it's been in the 70's and 80's the last week? And will be until mid week again, frown. I plant them in stages. Plant a set, wait two week, plant another, wait two weeks, plant another. Keep the water level consistent and you should be guaranteed success.

Paperwhites are part of the Narcissus family, native to the Mediterranean region. Daffodils, too, are part of this family. Once they begin to bloom, move them out of the window into a cooler clime and they will bloom longer. Keep them out of direct sunlight, too. Have fun. I hope you enjoy the beauty of these bulbs this year. Oh, and don't plant in the yard once they are through, they will more than likely only flower once. I hope you give them a try. They really are pretty easy.

9 comments:

Tricia said...

Marlis, I am totally doing this! And not just because I have the exact same blue and white flower brick (didn't know that's what they're called!). I have wanted to try this for a long time, and now you've given me the motivation. Thanks!

Denise said...

Hi Marlis,

Thanks for this information!! I love your flower brick; I wasn't familiar with those, but what a great idea. I was just telling my husband the other day that I want to try Paper Whites this year, and I really like the way you've done yours. Also, thanks for the link to purchase the flower brick. :)

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Denise at Forest Manor

RhondaBuss said...

I can smell them in Chicago !

Red Couch Recipes said...

Marlis, paperwhites are so beautiful. I have forced some before, but not in those beautiful containers. Joni

On Crooked Creek said...

Marlis,
Oh...how lovely your paperwhite, dear friend!
But, alas...I waited too long and our home town store sold out of bulbs! These are on my " To Do List" for next December!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Dianne said...

The flower brick is so cute. I love the blue flowers. I love the idea of paperwhites, but the scent is a little to strong for me, but I love to look at them. Your's are beautiful to look at! Dianne

Chubby Chieque said...

Hi sweet Marlis,

First of all, I done the chady decor. Check... 2ndly, I done the Advent candles, check! §:-)

What more to do? I will see and follow you, *wink

Have a blessed day.

Greetings from a freezing & snowy Stockholm,
/Chie

Ivy and Elephants said...

Hi Marlis,
You make it sound so easy, I'll give it a try! I do love them, so pretty displayed in blue and white, too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hugs,
Patti

Tricia said...

Marlis, I had to come back to report that I did, indeed, obtain paperwhite bulbs after work yesterday. I will set them in place tonight! (Baby steps. . . .)

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