Saving paperwhite narcissi bulbs

Image: Netherland Bulbs

My indoor pot of paperwhite narcissi bloomed beautifully at Christmas. The flowers are gone now, and the leaves are fading. How do I save them again for bloom next year? Can they be planted outside? (I'm in zone 8, Victoria, BC).

Carolyn Jones, GardenWise horticulturist

The common recommendation for paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) is to discard them after they bloom. This is because bulbs that are "forced" may not bloom the next year. Most forced bulbs are hardy, so they can simply be planted in the garden to regain strength and rebloom. But paperwhites are not at all hardy and will die if exposed to any frost.

If you have a sun room or greenhouse (and patience!), you can nurture them there until they bloom again.