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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Planting Paperwhites

One of my late Fall traditions of the last few years has been planting Paperwhites for the upcoming Holidays. Each year I look forward to their wonderful pristine white blooms filling the darkening days of Fall and Winter.  I've collected quite a few vintage "containers" in the last few years, so part of the fun of planting the bulbs is digging out my stash and deciding which ones to use.




I unbagged my bulbs and have them in an old strawberry flat with boxes that I've whitewashed. I just enjoy looking at them, while they wait their turn to be planted.


I'm going for a Nature themed Christmas this year,
so these will be just the first of that inspiration coming up.



As you can see, my helper is here.
Now if I can just keep her away from them.
I don't want chewed shoots...










A McCoy matte vase, an old chipped sugar bowl, and a new find, which is a French measuring pitcher, are readied for my first planting.


I use pea gravel as a base, then just a little potting mix. Just enough to cover the bottom 1/3 of the bulb. Too much water or soil will cause them to rot. In a day or two I'll sprinkle moss on top, which helps hold in the moisture.








They'll be here on the baker's rack for a while,
so they can have some good light to get started.
If you haven't planted them before I'll encourage you to try it,
the kiddos love them too.
You can hardly mess them up,
and I love to see them grow each day!

Hope you'll run by and check out my 
Paperwhite Pinterest Board too.

And if you haven't stopped by
The Marketplace
then just scroll down to the next post.

More of my Paperwhite Posts Here and  Here

Joining in for these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Blissful Whites at Timewashed
All Star Block Party at Red Hen Home
Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
House Party at No Minimalist Here
From My Front Porch to Yours
Primp
Stuff and Nonsense
The Charm of Home
Shabby Art Boutique
At the Picket Fence
French Country Cottage
Rooted in Thyme
Craftberry Bush
Jennifer Rizzo
My Romantic Home



xoxo,
at

40 comments:

  1. Brenda PruittNovember 6, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    Oh, I need to get some!
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  2. SerendipityRefinedNovember 6, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Oh my gosh, how fun! My post is going up later this week! I always plant paper whites and amaryllis the week after Halloween and they usually bloom just in time for Christmas! I love your containers and can't wait to see the rest of your deocrations! xo, Kimberly

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  3. DawnNovember 6, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Every year I say I am going to do this and never have. Thanks for reminding me, I will have to pick some up this week. Great to know about how deep to plant them:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Carlene @ Organized ClutterNovember 6, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    I have never planted paperwhites. Not sure if we have enough light in Minnesota in November and December.

    ReplyDelete
  5. shaggysheephomeNovember 6, 2012 at 6:25 PM

    On my blog I like to talk about seasonal and monthly traditions. I would love to start this tradition myself. I think I will do it this week! It will be the start to many years.

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  6. AnonymousNovember 6, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    these will be amazing, I love your choice of containers as well.I don't like the smell of paper whites so I planted some daffodils, mini daffs, and should be blooming by christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Vintage ChateauNovember 6, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    I love paperwhites too! I'll be using them in a centerpiece this year for my Christmas Charity House. Your vintage pots are great too.
    Karee

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  8. 20 North OraNovember 6, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Every year I say that I am going to do this and never have. I'm going out tomorrow and buy some and plant them. Thanks for the instructions and the inspiration.

    Judy

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  9. Vintage GalNovember 6, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    I have never done this, but I think with your inspiration, I am going to give it a try. Wish me luck ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yvonne @ StoneGableNovember 6, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    Are you sure we were not separated at birth! I'm posting about paperwhites tomorrow! I love how they smell. Your white planters and pots are going to be real stunners when the flowers bloom!

    ReplyDelete
  11. KarenNovember 6, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    Every year I plan on doing this and every year I miss the chance. I do have Star of Bethlehem in pots maybe I can force them indoors. I love the planters.

    ReplyDelete
  12. BabsNovember 6, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    Debra, now you've inspired me to try again. I got some at a "big box store" last year and they bloomed but had an AWFUL smell..sort of plastic-y. I looked at one of your older posts and saw that you use the Ziva variety. I'll see if I can find some locally. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Babs

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  13. UnknownNovember 6, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    Love this post! I've always wanted to do this but wasn't sure what the best way to plant them was. You definitely inspired me to try it out this year! Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  14. Blondie's JournalNovember 6, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    I planted some last year a bit too late and they bloomed after New Years! Thanks for the reminder to start now. I love your pretty containers!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  15. SarahNovember 6, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Debra, your Christmas is going to be filled with fragrance and pretty white blooms. I can't wait to see these in bloom.........Sarah

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  16. At The Picket FenceNovember 6, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    I love the planters you are using Debra!! I'm going to get started on mine too and just love the anticipation of having them blooming in time for Christmas! :-)
    Vanessa

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  17. Kristen PareNovember 7, 2012 at 4:45 AM

    Thank you! I just bought 8 bulbs to try--now I need a few more! I didn't realize they would be that easy to plant--going to have my little one help.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Kim @ French Country AntiquesNovember 7, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    I just finished planting my paperwhites for the holidays a couple weeks ago and they are sprouting nicely! Love your French measuring pitcher as a planter.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Vickie @ Ranger 911November 7, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    I don't have a green thumb when it comes to houseplants, but you've made it look so easy I'm going to get me some today and give it a try. Lots of fab inspiration on your Pinterest board. Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. SImple and Serene LivingNovember 7, 2012 at 6:52 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing this. Love your choice of containers.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Christy @ Our Southern HomeNovember 7, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Thanks for the reminder that I need to get mine started as well!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anita at Cedar Hill November 7, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    Great idea Debra! I think some paperwhites are just what I need. I love the gorgeous containers you used.

    ReplyDelete
  23. VickiNovember 7, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    I was just thinking of doing some paperwhites. I'm so glad you shared your vintage containers. I'm going to make a few for family to take as they leave on Thanksgiving night. Miss you! Trying to get back into the swing of things again. Hope all is well.

    ReplyDelete
  24. On Crooked CreekNovember 7, 2012 at 11:47 AM

    Debra,
    Wanting to try my hand at planting "paperwhites" this year. Most I've seen seem to be in water, but I think your idea of potting soil sounds more correct! Tomorrow is "errand day" On Crooked Creek...so, guess I'd better get them added to my list!!! Thanks for the tips for planting!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  25. JeannieNovember 7, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    I have some planted by the back gate that I get to enjoy around my December birthday. I look forward to trying the alcohol water to make some shorter indoor blooms! I look forward to following your future posts.

    ReplyDelete
  26. GailNovember 7, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    I going to try planting some this year. I love your choice of planters. Hope you are having a wonderful day, Gail

    ReplyDelete
  27. DIYbyDesignNovember 7, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    Ok, if you promise I can't mess this up I will give it a try. My thumb is not that green and often things don't grow well for me. I would love for you to link this up to my Fall into Fall party going on right now. Hope to see you there.

    ReplyDelete
  28. BECKYNovember 7, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    OK! You have convinced me! I am definitely doing this! I adore Paperwhites, and have wanted to grow some for awhile!! Thanks for the encouragement, Debra! You rock! Sending you an email!
    Hugs to you!
    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  29. BECKYNovember 7, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    OH! And thank you so much for joining the Blissful Whites Wednesday party!!
    :o)
    ♥

    ReplyDelete
  30. Barbara JeanNovember 7, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    is this the right time to plant them?? I thought maybe you would have to do it earlier??

    going to your pin board to look around.

    blessings
    barb

    ReplyDelete
  31. Amy ChalmersNovember 8, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    this is inspiring!~ I would like to do this myself and you make it looks quite simple. The reward comes in about 6 weeks, right? They would look great at home or even in my shop...hmm...

    ReplyDelete
  32. Julie MarieNovember 8, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    Hi Debra, love all of your vintage containers, especially the French measuring cup... I can't wait to plant some now!... I hope you will show yours again soon as they begin growing... xoxo Julie Marie

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  33. PamelaNovember 8, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    I can't wait to see them bloom Debra! I also always love seeing your helper! Thanx for coming to THT. Hope your week is going well.

    ReplyDelete
  34. trash talkNovember 9, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    Thanks for the reminder Debra. I always intend to plant them for Christmas, but usually remember too late to actually do it! Now...where on earth did I put those bulbs?
    XO
    Deb

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  35. LynneNovember 9, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    I'm planting Sunday! Your containers are beautiful! I'm your newest follower!
    Jody introduced me to you!
    ~Lynne
    w/L.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Susan FreemanNovember 9, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    This is something I have been wanting do. Thanks for the inspiration and for the nudge! Love that French measuring cup too.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

    ReplyDelete
  37. Rosemary@villabarnesNovember 9, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    I really should do some planting. Great photos Debra.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonNovember 11, 2012 at 11:47 PM

    Hi Debra,
    I was just thinking today that I needed to get my Paperwhites. I plant them every year. Have for as long as I can remember. Although, the older I get the more I can't remember. lol! Planning on planting them in my different pieces of vintage milk glass this year. Love all of your fun containers. I had a gorgeous Amaryllis last year. I cut it off and stuck in in my cold storage just to see what would happen. The other day I noticed that it was growing beautifully. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  39. The Charm of HomeNovember 14, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    They will look lovely! Thanks for linking up with HSH!
    Sherry

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  40. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art BoutiqueNovember 15, 2012 at 2:19 AM

    Can't wait to see them in full bloom Debra. I'm sure they will be very pretty in their gorgeous containers.
    Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday this week.
    Hugs ~ Kerryanne

    ReplyDelete

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