A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Daffodils
What are Daffodils?
Daffodils, also known as Narcissus, are cheerful spring bulbs that brighten up gardens with their vibrant blooms. These hardy plants come in a wide range of varieties, with some blooming as early as January and others as late as May.
How to Grow Daffodils
Planting:
- Plant daffodil bulbs in autumn (September to November) in moist but well-drained soil.
- Choose a sunny spot or one with light shade.
- Plant the bulbs pointy end up, about twice their depth (usually around 10cm).
- Space the bulbs two bulb-widths apart.
Care:
- Apply a slow-release bulb fertilizer each spring.
- Deadhead (remove spent blooms) after flowering, but leave the foliage to die down naturally. This helps the bulbs store nutrients for next year’s blooms.
- Water the bulbs regularly, especially during dry spells.
Propagation:
- Divide established daffodil clumps in autumn.
- You can also grow daffodils from seed, but it will take a few years for them to flower.
Problem Solving
Blindness: When daffodils produce foliage but no flowers, it can be due to poor soil, overcrowding, or shade. Dig up the bulbs in autumn, enrich the soil with compost, and replant them in a sunnier spot.
Advice on Buying Daffodil Bulbs
- Choose healthy, firm bulbs with no signs of mold.
- Consider the height and bloom time of different varieties to choose the best ones for your garden.
Where to Buy Daffodil Bulbs
- Local nurseries
- Garden centers
- Online retailers
Daffodil Varieties to Grow
- Narcissus ‘Tete-a-Tete’: Miniature with bright yellow trumpet flowers in April (height: 15cm)
- Narcissus ‘Rip Van Winkle’: Multi-petalled daffodil with stunning white flowers in April (height: 14cm)
- Narcissus ‘February Gold’: Early-blooming daffodil with bright yellow flowers in February (height: 30cm)
- Narcissus ‘Fragrant Rose’: Soft pink daffodil with a sweet scent in April (height: 45cm)
- Narcissus bulbocodium ‘Golden Bells’: Unique daffodil with trumpet-shaped flowers in March to April (height: 20cm)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s eating my daffodils?
Slugs and snails love to munch on daffodil buds and flowers. You can remove them manually or use physical barriers like copper tape to deter them.
How do I remove daffodils from pots after flowering?
You don’t need to remove daffodils from pots after flowering, but if you need to, wait until the leaves have died down completely. Dig up the bulbs and plant them in the garden.
