A basket of blooming narcissus is the perfect gift for anyone — teachers, coworkers, friends or family.

To make your own narcissus basket you will need premium bulbs of paperwhites, Chinese sacred lilies, Grand Soleil d'Or, Cragford, or germanium narcissus.

• Choose a suitable flat basket (about 6-9 inches in diameter and 3-4 inches high).
• Line the basket with a circle of heavy-gauge (4 millimeter) plastic sheeting and cut to fit. (You may also line the basket with any shallow container with no drainage holes.)
• Fill the plastic (or container) halfway to the top with pebbles or gravel.
• Add 6-8 bulbs, with the pointed side up and with their sides touching.
• Fill in with more pebbles to hold them upright.
• Cover the pebbles with sphagnum moss (optional).
• Add water to the base of the bulbs.
• Continue to water as necessary to keep the water at that level.
• Cover the basket with an upside-down cardboard box.
• Place in a cool spot for one and a half weeks or until sprouts are 3-4 inches tall.
• Uncover the basket and place it in a sunny window until the flowers open.
• Turn it daily for even growth.

Enjoy the narcissus basket in the house during winter or give it as a gift!

Tip: For a succession of flowers, plant up more baskets monthly.