To answer this question, one must first understand the life cycle of a Narcissus (often called paperwhites or daffodils) and the process of "forcing." Indoor Narcissus bulbs are typically forced into bloom out of their natural season. This is achieved by simulating winter conditions (cooling and rooting) and then bringing them into a warm, bright environment to trigger flowering. This process expends a tremendous amount of the bulb's stored energy reserves to produce the bloom and foliage you enjoy indoors. Unlike garden-variety daffodils that replenish their energy over a long spring season, forced bulbs have been pushed to their limit in a very short time frame.
From a plant physiology perspective, transplanting a forced Narcissus bulb outdoors is technically possible but comes with significant challenges and no guarantee of success. The primary issue is energy depletion. After blooming indoors, the bulb is severely weakened. Its priority must shift from flowering to regenerating its internal energy stores (carbohydrates) through photosynthesis in its leaves. If the foliage is cut back too early after the indoor bloom, the bulb has no way to recharge and will likely perish.
If one wishes to attempt planting the bulb outside, a careful acclimatization process is crucial for the plant's survival. First, after the flowers fade, continue to care for the plant indoors. Provide it with as much bright, direct light as possible and water it regularly with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. This supports the leaves as they work to photosynthesize and send energy back down to the bulb. This leaf-growing period should continue for several weeks. Secondly, the plant must be hardened off before facing outdoor conditions. Gradually expose it to outdoor temperatures and sunlight over 7-10 days, bringing it back inside if frost threatens. This prevents shock from sudden changes in temperature and light intensity.
The long-term health of the transplanted Narcissus is highly dependent on climate and subsequent care. The bulb must be planted in well-draining soil and in a location that receives ample sunlight. Even with perfect care, the bulb may not bloom again the following spring, as it will likely need a full year or more to rebuild its strength. It may only produce foliage in its first year outdoors. Furthermore, forced Narcissus varieties are often selected for indoor forcing and may not be as cold-hardy as traditional outdoor daffodil cultivars. In regions with harsh winters (USDA zones below 4-5), the already-weakened bulb may not survive the freezing temperatures without a thick protective mulch layer.
From a purely botanical standpoint, while the attempt can be an interesting gardening experiment, it is often more successful and reliable to purchase new, dedicated bulbs for outdoor planting each fall. These bulbs are cultivated specifically for garden performance, are full of energy, and are naturally acclimated to outdoor seasonal cycles. They will establish strong root systems before winter and are far more likely to produce vigorous blooms for many years. The forced indoor bulb, having served its primary purpose, can be composted after the foliage has died back naturally, completing its life cycle.
