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What's happened to Paperwhite Narcissi?

rosalind.smith9rosalind.smith9 Posts: 4
in Plants
I grow Paperwhites every year but, for the last couple of years they have either been very poor or not flowered.  I have treated them in the same way as usual.  This year's are very small and weak and have only one flower bud showing so far.  Has anyone any idea what's wrong?

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,154
    Hello Rosalind, welcome to the forum  :)
    Are you buying fresh bulbs every year and are they from the same supplier? 
  • rosalind.smith9rosalind.smith9 Posts: 4
    I am buying fresh bulbs each year but not from the same supplier.  I think that may be the problem.  I haven't been able to find the ones I used to buy but have bought from a reliable source and good quality bulbs - at least they look good.
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,413
    I'm wondering whether there has been some problems with the bulb growers or maybe importing bulbs. Last year I had several mis -labelled  bulbs and this year some varieties don't seem to be available
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,154
    Must admit l am stumped. The fact that you've had success in the past makes me wonder if it's just bad luck with the supply chain. I assume the bulbs were firm with no signs of external damage.
    I haven't grown paperwhite narcissus for years, but hopefully there is some on here who has more recent experience and can help. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724
    The last time I grew paperwhites was a few years ago now ... I got them from Sarah Raven and they were fab ... however the perfume made OH really chesty and they had to go outside where they were not at all happy, so I don't grow them any more.  

    Instead I grow hyacinths and put them outside but where we can see them close to the dining room windowsill, and catch a whiff of the perfume as we come and go ... OH's chest is happy with that. 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • rosalind.smith9rosalind.smith9 Posts: 4
    Thank you for your help.  I have just ordered fresh bulbs from Sarah Raven and hope that they are better.  I usually start them much earlier so that they are out for Xmas and then grown hyacinths for after Xmas but, this year, may be a bit different.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 20,914
    Are they outside or indoors? I found they weren't very hardy, but when I grew them I was living in SW France and it had been minus 10C. Sarah Raven and Farmer Gracy say they aren't hardy but other websites say they are.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • rosalind.smith9rosalind.smith9 Posts: 4
    I grow them inside in an unheated (or minimally heated) conservatory.  I don't think they would do well outside.  Sarah Raven is gardening in a warmer and drier part of the country than I am.
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