Plant paperwhite daffodils now for stunning Christmas blooms

In November, gardening expert Monty Don highlights the importance of planting certain flowers for seasonal blooms. Specifically, he encourages planting paperwhite daffodils, which are known for their quick flowering time, allowing them to bloom by Christmas if planted at the beginning of the month. These flowers are unique as they originate from the Mediterranean region and do not require a cold period to flower, unlike traditional daffodils and other bulbs. The planting process is straightforward: the paperwhite bulbs should be placed just beneath the surface of compost in a container. It is recommended that the container have drainage, but a standard bowl can work if charcoal is added to maintain soil quality. A warm and bright location is ideal for the bulbs to thrive, and with adequate watering—without over-saturation—the flowers can flourish within about four weeks. Additionally, November serves as a prime time for planting tulips, although the blooms from these bulbs will take longer to emerge compared to the paperwhites. Overall, these planting guidelines are aimed at gardeners looking to ensure a colorful display during the winter season, particularly for the festive period of Christmas.