It is time to start forcing paperwhite bulbs for December blooming.

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means it is time to start forcing paperwhite bulbs for December blooming. Because paperwhites require about 30 to 40 days to bloom indoors, start your bulbs in the next week or so to time their fragrant entrance with your holiday festivities.

Paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) are Mediterranean natives. Their fragrant, delicate white blooms, reminiscent of daffodils, sprout atop a green stem.

Many varieties of paperwhites are available for purchase through online vendors and garden centers.

Paperwhites vary in their appearance and fragrance. A very fragrant variety of paperwhites is Ziva paperwhites, which have pure white flowers and a musky fragrance. Nir paperwhites, another fragrant variety, have more flowers per stem than the Ziva.

Ariel is a paperwhite variety with a strong, classic scent. Ariel's flowers are larger than Ziva's and their stems are a little thicker and stronger, making them more likely to remain upright for a longer time.The Galilee variety of paperwhites has pure white flowers and a moderate musky fragrance.If you prefer a less fragrant variety, look for Wintersun, whose yellow cups look like the sun. Inball paperwhites have a mild fragrance and white flowers.While the Bethlehem variety has creamy white petals, yellow cups and a mild musky fragrance, Chinese Sacred Lily has white petals, yellow cups and a citruslike fragrance. Grand Soleil d'Or is not white at all, with yellow petals, orange cup and sweet fruity fragrance.Before purchasing your paperwhites, plan your decorating scheme. Select the number and type of containers that will hold your paperwhite bulbs. Choose containers that are shallow and festive.Based on available paperwhite varieties, you can mix and match paperwhites by their bloom color and fragrance.Decide how your paperwhites will be displayed, such as on a mantle with garland, a table with a centerpiece, or a solitary display. To assure continued blooming in your displays, stagger planting times, which require additional containers and bulbs.When you are ready to start planting paperwhites, arrange them in your desired configurations.Place fine gravel, glass beads or marbles in your containers, and nestle the bulbs into the stones. Space the bulbs two to three inches apart. Fill the container with enough water to cover the stones; bulb roots will seek out the water.

Set the container in a cool area (about 50 to 60 degrees).Control the stem height by limiting the light exposure; too much light creates leggy stems. Allow the growing stems to be part of your holiday décor.When the stems have reached their desired height, place the container in a warm, bright area of your home to encourage blooming.Once flower blooms appear, reincorporate your paperwhites into your holiday display. Keep the stones wet throughout the growth and bloom periods. Flower blooms will last for a week or so, depending on the bulb variety and ambient temperature.After blooming, remove the dead flowers and secure the green foliage with ribbon or twine to maintain a festive look.Once the foliage dies back, you can discard the bulbs, and clean and store your containers. While short-lived, paperwhites add joy, delight and fragrance to any holiday display.Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, RN, is a Penn State Extension Master Gardener of Butler County.

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Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD., RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener in Butler County since 2003. Her gardening passions include native plant garden design and she is a Sustainable Landscape Designer, certified through Phipps Conservatory. Dr. Bernardo is interested in the effects of physical activity for cancer survivors and enjoys teaching about the physical benefits of gardening.