a gift of paperwhites

a gift of paperwhites is the easiest gift of them all!

If you are still in need of that “one more” last minute item, a gift of paperwhites is one of my very favorites – and I’m guessing it will soon be yours too!

Paperwhites (Narcissus) are flowering bulbs that are easily forced to bloom indoors. Even better? You don’t need a green thumb or any special skills. Better still? You don’t even need dirt – these plants will grow in water! Best of all? You can plant the bulbs in any vessel or container of your choosing – so your gift will be appreciated long after the flowers are gone.

Here’s all you need to do:

• Pick out your container: I’ve chosen a pretty ceramic bowl but you can use almost anything – a plastic-lined basket, cafe au lait mug, glass candy dish – the sky’s the limit!
• Add gravel: You can find bags of gravel at the pet supply store or on-line. Give enough to fill your gifted container to about 1/2″ from the top.
• Grab your bulbs: Add enough bulbs to fit snugly.
• Include instructions: It’s nice to enclose growing instructions, especially if you’re bringing the gift to a party, where you might not have a chance to chat with the hostess.

Pour the gravel into your container and place the bulbs right on top (don’t submerge them; the whole bulb should be visible). Add water till it just touches the bottoms of the bulbs. Place near a window so that it gets some light during the day. 

Add water when you no longer see it touching the bottoms of the bulbs. You’ll start to see the paperwhites growing in a few days!

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You can either package the components individually or set the bulbs up in the container prior to giving. Either way this will be a fun and unexpected gift.

I also wanted to share a tip I just learned about, to (hopefully!) solve the only pesky problem when it comes to paperwhites – the fact that they typically grow so tall as to start flopping over before they’ve bloomed (or finished blooming). Apparently, alcohol can help stunt the growth of paperwhites without impacting the size of the bloom. I’m trying this for the first time so not sure if it works, but here’s the formula:

1. First, figure out the percent of your alcohol by dividing the proof in half. Let’s use 80 proof vodka as an example.
2. 80 proof divided by 2 = 40. You have 40% alcohol.
3. Now divide 40 by 5, then subtract 1 to calculate how many parts water to alcohol you will use.
4. 40 divided by 5 = 8, 8 – 1 = 7. You will use 7 parts water to 1 part vodka.

About a week or so after planting – when the roots are showing and the shoots are green and about 1 – 2″ above the top of the bulbs – pour out any water in the container and replace it with this solution. You’ll use this solution going forward.

Let me know if you try this, and tag me on Instagram @sherisilver if you do! And if you need a few more non-foodie-but-also-super-easy gift ideas, try these!

A Sweet of Eucalyptus

Easy Sugar Scrubs

Shower Melts

Naturally Scented Sachets

Homemade Plant Spray (pair with a pretty plant)

About the author

Sheri Silver

Sheri Silver is a New York-based food photographer and recipe developer who has been cooking and baking for over 30 years. She works with brands, authors and restaurants to create recipes that are as beautiful as they are foolproof - and every recipe on this blog has been made, tweaked and eaten in her own kitchen.

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