Growing narcissus in water?

I have 8 bulbs and remember my mother putting water in a vase with the bulb. Are there any secrets I am missing?

Growing narcissus in water?
Yes. Seat the bulbs in coarse gravel and fill the bowl until the water is half-full. Capillary action will bring the water nearer to the bulbs. Two things to remember: One, too much water will rot them, and two, forced bulbs never bloom again.