I’ve been growing paperwhites in glass vases for more than 20 years.
I remember buying a bag of these amazing little bulbs for the first time to do a project with my daughter Aimee when she was about 11.
This week, I did the same project, this time with my granddaughters, Julie and Emma. (Pictured above with finished vases of paperwhites)
The process is always the same. Put coloured marbles into glass vases, nestle the paperwhite bulbs into the marbles, then add water, just enough to touch the bottom of the bulbs.
The next step is even simpler. Place the vases in a spot where they get good, even, bright light. Then step back and watch the bulbs come to life.
First, they produce white roots that creep and grip the marbles. Next, the bulbs send up green shoots and leaves.
And finally, fragrant white flowers appear, a clean, pungent aroma, not alway to the liking of everyone.
Julie and Emma probably did not fully understand what they were doing. They just followed my guidance, but I think they will very soon see the results and remember what they did to make it happen.
Who knows, perhaps it is something they will do again and again and when they are adults will do as a happy memory of something they did when they were children.
They took their vases of paperwhites home and put them in the window where they get good light.
We’ll be watching for flowers.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE PROJECT
Marbles or pebbles or gravel
Paperwhite bulbs
