ziva paperwhite flower bulbs- Fragrant, Snow White flowers, well-suited to forcing.
Synonyms: N. ‘Ziva’
Genus: Narcissus
This tender Paperwhite is well-suited to forcing. It blooms in only two or three weeks from planting, bearing pure-white, musk-scented flowers atop 16 to 18 inch tall stems.
PAPERWHITES
All indoor narcissi, also known as paperwhites, may be planted in soil or in pebbles with water at staggered intervals for delicately-scented flowers throughout the winter. It is also great fun for children to plant paperwhites and to watch them grow, so that they can watch the roots grow prior to the development of the stems and lovely flowers.
Pot paperwhites from mid-October through early March for fragrant indoor blooms over the winter. Prior to potting, store them at 50 to 60 degrees F in a dark, dry spot. When bulb top growth (or the nose) is about 1 ½ high, plant the paperwhites in soil, or pebbles and water, and place in indirect sunlight until foliage is 4” tall. Then, place them in brighter sunlight and water well for lush trusses of fragrant flowers. If they grow too tall and leggy, cut for fragrant bouquets.
Each bulb produces several, flower-bearing stems. Please make sure to keep them adequately watered throughout the duration of their bloom so that the roots do not run the risk of drying out.
Care: Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade (see individual species for specific requirements). In autumn, plant bulbs from 1.5 times to 5 times the bulbs’ height (3 inches or more in cold climates). Under glass, grow in 1 part grit and 2 parts soil mix. Deadhead seed heads (except those of species, for dispersal) and allow leaves to photosynthesize for 6 weeks before cutting back, including plantings in turf. Lift and divide clumps if they become overcrowded or perform poorly. Bulbs may be forced in autumn in a cold frame; plant with tops visible, keep moist, and when rooted, move to a cool greenhouse (less than 64 degrees).
Problems: Narcissus bulb fly, narcissus nematode, bulb scale mite, slugs, narcissus basal rot, other fungal infections, narcissus yellow stripe virus, and other viruses.