Forcing Paperwhites for Christmas in Vintage Vessels

I change most things I do every Christmas, but one tradition I always do is forcing paper whites in vintage vessels for the holiday season.

I have a recurring task on my calendar for early October to order my paperwhites. The Ziva variety is the one I like, but there are many kinds. I think I should mix it up next year. 🙂

Forcing my bulbs in vintage vessels is a way for me to display my collections during the holidays. I have used old chamber pots, transferware casseroles, enamelware bowls, and shallow vases, and this year I’m going to use a vintage champagne bucket.

One of the reasons I force paperwhites is not just because they have such pretty, delicate white flowers; they smell amazing. The fragrance of a paperwhite is something I think that you either love or hate! I love it!

On my blog Living Large in A Small House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. You can find my full Disclosure Policy HERE

When to Plant Paperwhites for Christmas

My experience with paperwhites is that you want to plant 4 to 6 weeks before you want blooms. In my home, which is warm, they start to bloom right around the 4-week mark. I have had some bulbs that have taken 6 weeks, but that is unusual.

I order about 50 bulbs because I do succession planting. Having flowers by the 2nd week of December so that they are blooming when we have holiday functions is important to me. I will start planting in one or two vessels the first week of November and then again in a few vessels two weeks later, and then again two weeks later. This keeps flowers coming through the whole holiday season and potentially a week or two after. I love still having some paperwhites after the new year when my house is cleaned up from the holidays.

Here is a quick timing guide:

• Blooms for early December parties: plant mid- to late October
• Blooms for Christmas Day: plant November 1st to the 15th
• Blooms all winter: start a new batch every two weeks

What You Need for Forcing Paperwhites

I have used both a method of putting my bulbs in a container filled with some pebbles and adding water. I have also planted my bulbs in potting soil and watered them like a plant. My experience is that they grow fine in potting soil, but you can see the difference in my video below.

• Paperwhite bulbs (firm, large; Ziva is the most common)
• A vessel at least 3 to 4 inches deep with no drainage hole
• Pebbles, pea gravel, decorative glass, or potting soil
• Water and optionally gin or vodka (see the flopping section)
• Moss twigs or ribbon for finishing

How to Force Paperwhites in Pebbles and Water

1. Add 2 to 3 inches of pebbles to the bottom of your vessel.
2. Set the bulbs on top, pointed end up, shoulder to shoulder. Crowding is good because they help hold each other up.
3. Add more pebbles around the bulbs until the top third to half of each bulb is showing
4. Pour in water just at the base of the bulbs. Don’t let the bulbs sit in water, or they can rot.
5. Set them in a cool, bright spot and check the water every couple of days. Add more as needed.

If you use potting soil instead, plant the bulbs with their tops showing and keep the soil moist but not soggy. In my video you can see that I had different results with my flowers that were planted in soil.

Paperwhites in Vintage Containers: My Favorite Ideas

To add real interest, I like to get creative with what to plant paperwhites in. Because I love vintage and have plenty of pieces on hand, I’m using some of my favorite vessels.

Chamber Pots

What could be more fun than having fragrant flowers popping out of a vintage chamber pot? Adding a bow to the handle adds a little holiday touch.

Silver Champagne Bucket

I have a beautiful silver champagne bucket, and I think paperwhites growing out of it will be stunning at Christmas. Because it is taller than the other vessels I’m using, it will support the stems beautifully. The white blooms inside this silver bucket will create the most elegant holiday pairing. I used a smaller glass liner inside to protect the silver.

Vintage Casserole Dishes

Some of my favorite paperwhite vessels are vintage casserole dishes. They are the perfect depth for placing the paperwhite bulbs and wide enough to hold a whole crowd of them.

Antique Soup Tureens

Filling a soup tureen with paperwhite bulbs would make a beautiful Christmas tablescape centerpiece.

More Vintage Ideas

• Teacups and sugar bowls for single bulbs. You could make one for each place setting for your holiday table.
• Enamelware pots, stoneware crocks, old tins, a pressed glass compote, silver trophy cups

Tips for Planting in Vintage Pieces

• Silver: set a glass jar or plastic liner inside. Water and gravel will scratch and tarnish silver plate.
• Crazed ironstone and pottery: water can seep into the crazing and stain. Use a liner or plant in a piece you don’t mine if it changes..
• Food dishes: paperwhite bulbs are toxic. Wash a casserole dish very well before it goes back to the kitchen, or keep it for decorating only.
• Tins and baskets: line with plastic so they don’t rust or leak.
• Depth matters more than width. You want to aim for 3 to 4 inches.

The Paperwhite Smell: Love it or Hate it?

I love the smell of paperwhites. To me they have a floral smell that is so appealing. However, I know that many people can’t stand the smell. Paperwhites contain a compound called indole that some noses read as sweet and others read as musky (or worse).

The variety ‘Inbal’ has about half the fragrance. Yellow varieties like ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’ and ‘Wintersun’ are lighter and sweeter.

If someone in your home doesn’t like the smell, plant one bulb in small vessels so you can put it in your office or guest bedroom.

Are you a lover or a hater of the smell? Tell me in the comments.

How to Keep Paperwhites from Falling Over

I recently learned about the vodka trick. When the green shoots are about 1-2 inches tall, replace the water with 1 part 80-proof vodka or gin to 7 parts water. The stems grow shorter and sturdier but bloom just as well. I’ve tried it, and it really does work. Just don’t use beer or wine. The sugar is bad for the bulbs.

Another trick that I have used for years is to tie a pretty ribbon about 1/2 way up the shoots to hold them upright and together. If they are really floppy, you can tuck in a birch twig, curly willow, or red twig dogwood branch into the pot to support the shoots along with the ribbon.

Paperwhites also love to be in a cool area (60 to 65 degrees) with bright light.

Are Paperwhites Safe for Pets?

Paperwhites are toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulbs. Keep them up high and away from your furry friends.

Paperwhites as a Hostess Gift

A single bulb in a special cup or small vintage piece with a pretty ribbon and tags makes such a special hostess gift. I certainly would appreciate getting one when I host during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Paperwhites for me have become a holiday tradition. However, like how I change up my Christmas tree each year, I switch out my paperwhite vessels to match my current holiday theme. Take a look at what you have in your cupboards and find one to start your paperwhite tradition!

Peace and Love,