I enjoyed having paperwhites on my windowsill throughout the holiday season.
I added a small amount of vodka to the soil when I watered them. This helps them from becoming too tall and leggy and falling over.
Apparently, I didn't add quite enough, because they still got tall and fell over, eventually! There is a formula that is recommended, with a certain percentage of vodka per oz of water. I've read that it should be about 1 part vodka (or gin) to 7 parts water. I actually did just that, several times, but these plants just insisted on growing anyway! They were fine the whole time they were blooming, so it was ok. It was near the end of their bloom time that they decided to fall over onto the countertop. Next time maybe I'll have to try a higher proof--perhaps 190?!
What gifts have you discovered today?
Until next time,
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
We are usually warm enough to grow these outside. Mine were late budding this year and have yet to open. I am hoping our two nights of extreme cold did not kill the buds.
ReplyDeleteI hope yours will eventually bloom for you, Les...with the recent extreme low temps it will be interesting to see if they will. I don't plant them in my 7A garden because I know they won't make it.
DeletePretty. I missed picking up paper whites this year. Enjoy yours!
ReplyDeleteI always mean to grow paperwhites, but forget every year. Your kitchen must smell wonderful. :o)
ReplyDeleteFunny, but I don't like the smell of the paperwhites! They overwhelm me. I didn't mention that part in my post because I like to look at them...but am not impressed with their odor :P
DeleteI read a report from Cornell University that putting a small amount of rubbing alcohol in the water prevents the long stems.-Ray
ReplyDelete