Why are my paperwhites so tall?

A problem with paperwhites, as with many bulbs planted in pots, is that they grow quite tall and all of their weight is at the top. Researchers in the Flowerbulb Research Program at Cornell University have come up with an unusual solution to this top-heavy problem: alcohol.

What can I do with leggy paperwhites?

Paperwhites get leggy for two reasons. Either they were grown in a room that’s too warm (above 65°F) or they didn’t get enough light. For stocky plants, grow the bulbs in a cool room (50-60°F) and make sure they get lots of bright, indirect light. Once you see buds, move the pot into your living area.

Can you cut back paperwhites?

Cut the flower stalks off at their bases once the blooms turn brown and die using a pair of pruning shears. Do not cut the foliage back.

Why are my daffodils leaning over?

Late season heavy snow can knock down daffodils that are in full bloom. As the snow recedes these blooms often do not stand straight and tall. Floppy plants can also be caused by exceptionally warm temperatures that cause the developing flower stems to stretch and eventually flop under the weight of the flowers.

How can I make my paperwhites shorter?

New research reveals an unexpected solution to the problem: watering with alcohol. William Miller of the Flowerbulb Research Program at Cornell University found that paperwhites watered with dilute solutions of alcoholic beverages will be one-third to one-half shorter, with flowers as big and long-lasting as usual.

How do I make paperwhites shorter?

To shorten narcissus stems by 1/3 to 1/2 over their normal size and keep the same size flowers – use alcohol, diluted with water. Allow four weeks between potting up your bulbs and when want bloom. Follow these instructions for shorter, sturdier paperwhite stems that won’t flop over.

How do I get my paperwhites to stand up?

A: Paperwhites are one of the easiest of all spring-blooming bulbs to force in the house. All you need is a watertight container and some decorative stones or marbles. Place the bulbs on the top of the decorative material, pointy side up, and use the same material to cover all but the top third of the bulbs.

Can you replant paperwhite bulbs?

Although it’s ideal to replant separated bulbs immediately, you can store the bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or root cellar, until it’s time to replant them in the winter. For the U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 9, replant them for spring bloom in late November or December.

Can you save paperwhite bulbs after they bloom?

USDA Hardiness Zones 8 Through 11 You can poke your spent paperwhite bulbs in the ground in the spring with a little fertilizer. It will take 2-3 years for them to bloom again this way, but once they’re in the dirt, you can forget about them until they start blooming again.

How do you get daffodils to stand up straight?

To keep the flowers upright longer, carefully insert a pipe cleaner into the base of the daffodil stem. Make sure to stop as soon as you feel resistance. This means that you have reached the head of the daffodil. If there the pipe cleaner is hanging out of the bottom of the daffodil, snip it off with the scissors.

How do you get daffodils to stand up?

If you have good soil and want to help your daffodils stand up, wait until after they stop blooming. Dig up the bulbs and replant them at a deeper depth. Another option is to add top soil and mulch, thereby making the top soil level deeper.

Can I use rubbing alcohol for paperwhites?

If you don’t have liquor in the house, you can use rubbing alcohol, which is 70% alcohol, and may be diluted at the rate of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 10 or 11 parts water. Use the alcohol solution instead of water for further irrigation of the bulbs. The plants will start to show effects within just a few days.