Cultivation and care of the daffodil in the garden

Today we discover the keys of the narcissus . Dress up your garden with this magnificent flower that is a unique symbol of spring (although there are some species that bloom in autumn).

You will get lost in its innumerable catalog of groups, species and varieties, so we recommend that you find out what the narcissus of your life is going to be.

LET’S GET TO KNOW THE DAFFODIL A LITTLE

Unlike many of the flowers that we talk about that always or almost always have remote origins and have been adapted, the narcissus is one of those flowers that belongs to us by right and origin.

It occurs in more places (there are autochthonous varieties from Central Asia and China) although its origin is considered European and more specifically from the Mediterranean area.

When we talk about bulbous garden plants , the narcissus is, together with the tulip, one of the first that comes to mind and is that it is a reference.

The narcissus has been intensively cultivated for almost 200 years, having achieved the infinity of types and varieties that we currently have.

If we talk about colors, the most popular narcissus is the yellow one, although due to hybrids and crosses that they have had throughout history, we can find colors, white, cream, orange, pink, etc.

If we talk about heights, we have them from a few cm (around 10) to varieties that raise more than 50 cm from the ground.

Due to this almost infinite variety, it has been necessary to resort to elaborating a classification by groups according to the shape and size of the flower, in order to make a first classification.

 

GroupNameDescription
1TRUMPETThe trumpet is at least as long as the tepals and there is one flower for each stem
2LARGE CROWNThe calyx is shorter, but is at least a third the length of the tepals. One flower for each stem.
3SMALL CHALICEThe length of the calyx is less than a third of the length of the tepals; there is usually one flower per stem.
4DOUBLEDouble or semi-double flowers individual or in small groups. It is possible that the entire flower is double or that only the calyx is.
5 TRIANDRUSBetween two and six flowers per size with reflective petals (they are usually turned back).
6CYCLAMINOUSSlightly pendulous flowers with long trumpets and clearly reflective petals. They normally have one flower per stem
7JONQUILLASeveral flowers per stem. It usually has flat petals and small cups turned outwards. They have a very sweet aroma
8TAZETTAVery aromatic flowers in groups of 10 or more (even 20) per stem in those with a small crown and no more than 4 in those with a large crown. It is early flowering.
9POETICUSSmall red or orange calyx and wide, flat, white petals. It is usually one or two flowers per stem. It also has an intense fragrance. It is late blooming
10SILVESTREA very varied group in which, as is evident, all the species found in the wild are found.
11CHALICE PARTYThe calyx is divided to varying degrees, from at least one-third to one-half its length.
12VARIOUSHybrids that cannot be included in any of the above classifications.

 

DAFFODIL GROWING CONDITIONS

In general, they are ideal for growing in flowerbeds and flowerpots, but they can also be grown in the garden soil. Let’s see what you need.

Temperatures

You may think that since the flower is so delicate, the narcissus needs warm climates. Indeed, mild temperatures are better but it is a semi-resistant plant to cold. It does not withstand very very low temperatures but for temperate climates it develops without major problems.

Exposition

It should be a sunny exposure, although in hot climates it is better to have it in semi-shade because the sun in those areas punishes the narcissus too much if it is exposed all day.

I usually

If it is grown in flowerpots or planters we will have no problem because we will choose the type of soil. It needs drainage, relatively constant but not high humidity, and good nutrition. Ideally, you have prepared the soil with very decomposed compost or mulch to enrich it.

Irrigation

Although the bulb requires a relatively constant humidity , if we go over it, no matter how little it is, we cross the line of the rot of the bulb and we will ruin the planting. To avoid possible flooding, check if the soil has good drainage.

If you know that it is clayey, you will have to do your best to fit it with river sand to get drainage. A more frequent but not abundant watering is more appropriate as we have already commented many other times.

In any case, as the planting depth is average, about 10-15 cm, even if the surface dries, the soil at those levels will still maintain an adequate level of humidity.

PLANTING THE BULBS

If you’ve never considered planting daffodils, you’re late. You will have to wait for the fall (September-October). It is time to plant this plant.

The sowing depth is variable according to the type of narcissus and especially the size of the bulb. As a general rule, it is usually two to three times the diameter of the bulb, although if you buy them, you will have all the information of the variety you choose.

The neck of the bulb should be facing up at the time of planting. When planting the bulb, take a good look at its condition. If it’s soft or showing signs of rot, throw it out.

USEFUL DAFFODIL CARE TIPS

The daffodil should be left in the same place where it was planted (if the drainage is good) and the following year it will bloom again. Each year that passes they will come out in more numbers and strengthened if the conditions are good.

If the variety is going to give a tall-stemmed daffodil, it is very possible that the first or first two years you will have to give it a little support with a tutor (bamboo cane).

Since the flowering does not last long and you want to have a vase with freshly cut daffodil, you should cut the flower just when it begins to bloom or when the bud is half open. This way, the flower will last a little longer in the vase with frequent water changes.

You should cut the flowers when they start to wilt to prevent them from producing seed (it consumes a lot of resources). The leaves can be left to lose naturally.

If you want to divide the bushes , it is advisable to do it from the third year of flowering.

Indoor cultivation can be forced and with the right conditions, we can have blooms at times of the year very different from natural ones (even at Christmas). But we leave that for another entry.

SOME MORE POPULAR VARIETIES OF DAFFODIL

  • Carlton
  • February Gold
  • Minnow
  • Peeping Tom
  • Thalia
  • N. canaliculatus
  • Cheerfulness
  • Kinkg Alfred
  • Irene Copeland

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