Ziva Paperwhite

Amaryllis and Paperwhites, are favorites for the winter holiday season. These bulbs are easy to grow with spectacular results. They need no chilling, and once planted can bloom in as little as 3-5 weeks for Paperwhites, and just 6-8 weeks for Amaryllis.

Tips For Growing Amaryllis (Easy!)

• When planting your bulb, select a pot that allows about one inch all around, and at least two inches below the bulb.
• Use a good quality soil-less potting mix or a blend of one part peat moss and one part coarse sand for planting.
• Make sure to not plant too deep and leave the top of the bulb ("shoulder') just slightly above the soil.
• Water in your newly planted bulbs thoroughly, but don't water again until the new sprout is well out of the bulb.
• Once you have a sprout a few inches long, water regularly and soon your amaryllis will produce its spectacular, huge flowers.
• Remember to turn the pot regularly to make sure the stalk grows straight, as these bulbs have a tendency to grow towards the light.

More guidance for growing Amaryllis: Amaryllis: Get Big, Beautiful Blooms Indoors

Tips For Growing Paperwhites

• Select a container that about 3 - 4 inches deep (8 - 10 cm), without drainage holes.
• Add 1-2 inches of gravel, stones or marble to the bottom of the container.
• Place your paperwhite bulbs, pointed side up, on the gravel layer. Fit them in tightly, they don't mind being crowded.
• Add water to the container so that it just reaches the base of the bulbs. Don't cover the entire bulb with water, or it could rot.
• Check your bulbs daily and add water if needed.
• When roots begin to develop, you can move your bulbs to a sunny window.
• After they begin flowering, move the plants out of direct sunlight, so the blooms will last longer.