Grow Paperwhites for Saint Patrick’s Day

We are about seven weeks out until Saint Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17th every year. Being Irish, this is a favorite holiday of mine. But I’m of orange Irish descent, as my ancestors were Protestants from Northern Ireland. I still like to embrace both the Irish colors of orange and green on Saint Patrick’s Day.

About Paperwhite Flowers for Saint Patrick’s Day

*In full disclosure, I am not an expert on growing paperwhites. I am simply sharing today’s post on growing paperwhites as a lovely home decor idea you can use in your home for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day.

Paperwhite bulbs take about 4-6 weeks to bloom. Therefore, to have these beautiful white flowers flourishing for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, it is time to start growing them.

What are Paperwhite Flowers?

Paperwhites are winter-flowering perennial bulbs with an alluring degree of fragrance. You can pick up Paperwhite bulbs at your local nursery, or like me, I chose to order mine directly from Amazon. Just five bulbs should give you a beautiful display for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

How long do paperwhites last?

Paperwhites are loved for their pretty white blooms, which last about two weeks. However, the green stems can last another few weeks beyond the flowers.

Do paperwhites need to be pruned?

After the paperwhite flowers have faded, you can snip off the white flowers and enjoy the long green stems.

* We love our pets around here, so as a warning, according to the ASPCA, paperwhites can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Please keep paperwhites out of the reach of your pets!

Vintage Green Stoneware

If you’ve been following along with me, you must be a vintage lover too! So maybe you have a favorite vintage green stoneware bowl or the like lying around? I ordered this one off of Etsy this past fall and am going to use it today to grow my Saint Patrick’s Day paperwhites.

For more online shopping ideas, check out the post, How to Vintage Shop Online.

How to Grow Paperwhites in Stoneware

It’s super easy to grow Paperwhite Bulbs!

What You Will Need to Grow Paperwhites

• Paperwhite Bulbs (I chose a package of 5 Bulbs)
• Rocks or Pebbles (I used 3 small bags)
• Water
• Green Bowl

Shop Vintage Stoneware Bowls

Do paperwhites need soil?

No, paperwhite bulbs do not. All you will need are stones, rocks, pebbles, and some water! This way, you can beautifully use decorative display pieces, like this green stoneware we are using today.

And these paperwhites would be cute as a table centerpiece, too. You may enjoy this post, Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design.

• 1. Layer the bottom of your green stoneware bowl with enough pebbles so that you can snuggle your Paperwhite bulbs right down into them.

• 2. Next, it’s as simple as placing each of the paperwhite bulbs into the pebbles about a third of the way down.

Each paperwhite bulb will bloom about 20-60 flowers each.

Therefore, with five bulbs, I placed my Paperwhite bulbs evenly around the bowl: two in the back, one in the middle, and two in the front.

• 3. Now, simply add water to the bowl, just enough to hit the bottoms of the bulbs. Too much water and the paperwhite bulbs will rot. The roots will grow quickly and reach down into the water as they grow.

You may also enjoy this Spring Table Setting Ideas | Green with Envy post and these 12+ Marvelous Ways to Decorate with Green in Home Decor.

• 4. Place your paperwhite bulbs near sunlight and watch them grow!

Be sure to re-water your bulbs daily, keeping the water at a consistent level.

For more detailed information on growing Paperwhites, visit my go-to article from Better Homes and Gardens.

Drop me a note and let me know if you are going to try this for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day.

You may also enjoy the post, Is Your Table Ready for Spring and St. Patrick’s Day?

Paperwhites in Time for Saint Patrick’s Day

My first bulbs did not take, and I had to start a new batch I purchased locally. They developed roots right away and are growing daily now. Will they make it for Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17th?

Find more St. Patrick’s Day inspiration in the St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape: Tips & Ideas post.

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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.