DAFFODILS – BULBS

Daffodils (Narcissus) are beautiful spring-blooming flowers known for their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers and lovely fragrance. They are relatively easy to grow and make an excellent addition to gardens, borders, or even in containers. Here is a detailed description of daffodil bulbs, including information about their sowing time, care, common diseases and pests, and fertilizers:

**Daffodil Bulbs:**
– **Bulb Characteristics:** Daffodil bulbs are underground storage structures with a tapered shape, usually covered in brown, papery scales. The bulbs store nutrients for the plant and serve as the energy source for flowering in the spring.
– **Varieties:** There are numerous daffodil varieties available, with a wide range of colors and shapes. Common types include the classic yellow trumpet daffodil, white petal varieties, and small-cupped or double-flowered daffodils.

**Sowing Time:**
– **Planting Season:** Daffodil bulbs are typically planted in the fall, around 2-4 weeks before the first hard frost. This allows them to establish roots before winter sets in.
– **Optimal Temperature:** The ideal soil temperature for planting daffodil bulbs is between 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

**Care:**
– **Location:** Choose a well-drained location with partial to full sun. Daffodils can tolerate partial shade but bloom best in full sun.
– **Soil Preparation:** Ensure the soil is well-drained, as daffodils do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Loosen the soil and add organic matter for better drainage.
– **Planting Depth:** Plant daffodil bulbs 3-6 inches deep, with the pointy end facing upward. Space them about 4-6 inches apart.
– **Watering:** Water the bulbs after planting to help settle the soil, and then water as needed to keep the soil lightly moist. Daffodils are relatively drought-tolerant once established.
– **Mulching:** Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

**Diseases:**
– **Daffodil diseases are relatively rare but can include:**
– **Botrytis Blight:** A fungal disease causing brown spots on leaves and stems. Remove affected parts and use fungicides if necessary.
– **Narcissus Bulb Fly:** A pest that lays eggs on bulbs. Check for eggs, remove affected bulbs, and use insecticides if needed.
– **Nematodes:** Microscopic worms that can damage bulbs and roots. Rotate crops to reduce nematode populations and improve soil health.

**Pests:**
– **Common daffodil pests include:**
– **Slugs and Snails:** They can eat daffodil leaves and flowers. Use baits or traps to control these pests.
– **Deer and Rodents:** Daffodils are often not a preferred food source for deer, but rodents may dig up and eat the bulbs. Use fencing or repellents as deterrents.

**Fertilizers:**
– **Pre-Planting:** You can add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or well-rotted compost to the soil before planting to provide essential nutrients.
– **Post-Planting:** Daffodils don’t require a lot of feeding, but you can use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring when they begin to emerge from the soil. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.

Proper care and attention to the sowing, care, and potential issues like diseases and pests can help you enjoy the vibrant beauty of daffodils in your garden each spring. With their wide range of varieties, you can create a visually stunning display that adds cheer to your outdoor space.

COLORS

CORAL DAWN

FLOWER RECORD

ICE FOLLIES

YELLOW CHEERFULNESS

GRAND SOLEIL d or YELLOW