Daffodil

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Common Name

Daffodil

Scientific Name

Narcissus

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Mediterranean region, Northern America, Middle East

Height

10-18 inches

Width

4-6 inches

Blooming Season

Late winter or early spring

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

Yellow, yellow-and-white, yellow-and-orange, white-and-orange, pink, or lime-green. 

Sun

Full sun or light shade

Soil

Well-drained soil

Water

Full moisture

Plant Characteristics

Recurring flowers and bloom in clusters.

Usage

Used for bedding, cutting, naturalizing, borders and cut flowers.

Information

Daffodils belong to the genus narcissus. They serve as the national flower of Wales. Daffodil flowers have a trumpet-shaped structure set against a star-shaped background. They are constantly recurring flowers. Where climate is moderate, they flourish among the first spring buds. Daffodils often bloom in clusters. All daffodils have a corona in the center that looks like a trumpet, and a ring of petals all around. The natural daffodil is golden yellow color all over, while the trumpet may often appear in a contrasting color. These are great easy to grow plants for children to grow.

Growing Tips

Daffodils do best in a well-drained, sunny place, with slightly acidic soil. High-nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided. A little bone meal in the spring is all they will need. If the soil is heavy and poorly drained, mix a handful of grit into the base of the planting hole. This will increase drainage, thus reducing the likelihood of fungal diseases. It is important to give the plants lots of water while they are growing. Daffodils should be planted such that their top is at least two times as deep as the bulb is high. Let the leaves die down naturally after the blooms fade. The bulbs should be covered with soil and tapped down to remove air pockets.

Common Problems

One cause of the lack of flowers could be due to bulbs being planted too shallowly. The bulbs will be prone to drying out during spring and are less likely to obtain sufficient nutrients to produce a good display of flowers. As a consequence, flowering is aborted. Prevent this from happening by planting the bulbs at least three times their height deep. Another cause could be due to the larvae of the narcissus bulb fly, which inhabits the daffodil bulb, eating its way through the premature flower and storage tissue, substantially weakening the plant's performance the following spring.