PAPERWHITE HOW TO'S ?

I have some paperwhites that have finished their bloom. What do I do with them now. Do I need to let the foliage die back? How do I store them and how long until I can bring them out and let them bloom again?

THANKS!

Let the foliage die back naturally. As far as I know, paperwhites only bloom once per year.

The ones at our CA house bloom 2 to 3 times a year depending on dry vs rain and sun. They just bloomed in January and when they dy back I will be digging them to send out for SASE. Here is the thread for anyone interested:

http://davesgarden.com/t/372116/

When they get very dry they go dormant. Then after a few months you should be able to water them and they will send up green shoots and bloom again. Last winter I dug some and brought back to Iowa and forced them in the house. They only thing is they do not smell good so don't ever use them in an arrangement for your dinner table. LOL

TLC

Thanks TLC!!

You are quite right. I gave a few to a neighbor and when they were in bloom her husband and her searched their kitchen to figure out what was rotting . . . only to realize the smell was the paperwhites. Although I have to say that I really didn't think they smelled that bad, although I do agree about not putting them on the dinner table.