How to Grow Better Daffodils and Narcissus Successfully

Daffodils and narcissus are flower bulbs grown for the splash of bright color the flowers provide in early spring. Here are details and tips on growing daffodils so you will be able to reap the rewards of successfully growing Daffodils in the garden. The terms Daffodil and Narcissus are used interchangeably, with Daffodil the common English plant name and Narcissus the Latin plant name. So to eliminate confusion, I will use both plant names.

There are three basic sources of daffodil or narcissus bulbs. The first source of daffodil and narcissus bulbs is from other gardeners. Daffodils and narcissus bulbs acquired from other gardeners have the disadvantage of not being a known named daffodil or narcissus cultivar as well as having the possibility of fungal rot or disease. However, as the bulbs are free, it may be worth it to experiment with growing gifted bulbs. If you have a good variety of daffodil or narcissus, it may be wise to plant and grow the gifted daffodil or narcissus in a different part of the yard to prevent the spread of any diseases.

The second source of daffodil and narcissus is the plants given away by the churches or thrown out by the florists after Easter. Easter daffodils and narcissus may or may not still have a label in the pot. Disease is not as much of a concern here, but is still a possibility. Be sure to inspect the bulbs before planting. As the daffodil or narcissus bulbs have been forced, you will not get a flower this year.

The third source of daffodil and narcissus bulbs is the recommended source; from a reputable grower. Reputable growers can include mail-order sources, nurseries, and garden centers. Be sure to read the grower's terms and conditions and inspect the bulbs when they arrive. Never buy or keep a soft or rotten bulb, as that is a sign of basal rot. If there is mold on the bulb, inspect to determine if it is harmless mold on an outer part of the bulb or a sign of an underlying rot. As long as the bulbs are firm, they should be all right.

So now that you have your daffodil or narcissus bulbs, let's look at where they will grow best. Daffodils and Narcissus plants grow best in full sun, but will tolerate growing in partial shade. If the daffodils and narcissus are planted in shade, they will bloom one season and not bloom again, as the leaves need sunlight to store up energy for next year's bloom.

Daffodils and narcissus like well-drained soil. If water collects in the area, it may be possible to raise the flowerbed before planting. Daffodils and Narcissus should be kept moist during the growing season. Keeping the flowerbed moist allows for the leaves to remain green longer. After the plants go dormant in summer, it is all right to let the flowerbed dry out.

Although early fall is the best time to plant daffodils and narcissus, they can be planted any time during the growing season if you don't have much choice in the timing. Such would be the case with daffodils grown for Easter. Plant the bulbs six inches deep. If you plant the bulbs closer to the surface, the bulbs will multiply faster. Although this is good if you want to have more plants, it will have a negative affect on bloom performance.

The reason why keeping the leaves on the Daffodil or narcissus plant as long as possible is to assure that the plant can store maximum energy for next year's bloom. Cutting the foliage prevents the bulb from storing up enough energy to replenish the bulb and prepare for next year's flower. Braiding the leaves of daffodils and Narcissus is another common practice that should be avoided. As the leaves' exposure to the sun is limited, so is their ability to store up for next year.

When the leaves of the daffodils or narcissus dry up, the leaves can then be removed. It is a good idea to cultivate the ground at this point as the leaves have left a hole in the ground that allows insects to directly access the bulb. Daffodils and narcissus will need division when the flowers become smaller and bloom sparsely on the plant.

By following this growing information, you should have a good performance from your daffodils and narcissus every year.