Paperwhite? update #4 / Suitcases
I was looking at the paperwhites today and, well…..something seemed a bit odd. It took me a second to realize that, HEY, those aren’t paperwhites! These daffodils snuck in somehow (hangin’ with their paperwhite friends and makin’ mischief; sure we’ll come along. Sounds like fun). Totally unexpected and somewhat of a shock. I am so clueless about bulbs, but I now presume you can force just about anything indoors. Does anyone know if you can do this with tulips as well? Seeing these guys was a very pleasant surprise.
Welcome to all of you have been following the Kickstarter suitcase project. It might seem confusing to see “non suitcase” posts here, but I like to mix things up a bit on this site. Thanks to all of you backers. Cheers.
Jon Crispin's Notebook 
sure you can, and it works for hyacinths, too
Yes, you can force a variety of bulbs, but while paperwhites need only pebbles and water, most need soil, then a period of pretend winter, where they get very cold, but don’t freeze, then they can be brought back into the warmth and sun, and they will bloom. Equal wonder, more pride.
Karen. Thanks. Sorry I’ve been out of touch. It has been a bit hectic. I am around tomorrow though. Talk sometime?
The yellow-centred ones appear to be a variety of paperwhite called ‘Avalanche’. The botanical name would be Narcissus tazetta ‘Avalanche’. Still pretty exciting, though, when you were expecting all the bulbs to produce all-white blooms. Enjoy!
Kisses. So they are paperwhites and not daffys? Same family? We have these guys growing outside and they come back every year. Always assumed the were tiny daffodils. I guess it’s obvious I’m no gardener. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Jon
Yes, same family, they’re all in the genus Narcissus. I learned that from reading labels two years ago when I shopped for bulbs at the nursery instead of grabbing a bagful at Canadian Tire. “Daffodil” is a common name, while “narcissus” may be used either as a common name or as the proper Latin genus. An analogy to “narcissus” would be the word “aspirin”, which may be used as a common name to describe any ASA tablet, or as the proper noun to mean the Bayer Laboratories trademarked product.
Sorry this answer is a bit long. You’d be amused to watch my eyes glaze over, trying to follow my partner’s burbling on about ISOs and neutral density filters and polarizing lenses and… 🙂
Dandy, I am so glad you helped me out here. I always attempt to be somewhat accurate in my posts, but at times my cluelessness comes out. One thing I love about wordpress is that there are people out there who are willing to share their knowledge. Thanks for following. Jon
You can do it with tulips, and hyacinths too.
The hyacinths make the house smell wonderful.
Just like spring!!!
BTW, those are daffodils. Both daffodils and paper whites come from the same family. Narcissus.
Lisa, thanks so much for the info, and I am so glad you are following and commenting. Best, Jon