Science Project: Keeping Paperwhites Compact with Alcohol

Beth Jarvis of the University of Minnesota confirms Cornell's findings: after paperwhites have rooted, watering with a 4–6% alcohol solution (any distilled spirit) keeps stems shorter without impairing blooms. Rubbing alcohol works too (1 part to 13 parts water). Beer and wine do not work. The report "Pickling Your Paperwhites" provides dilution details and replication instructions.