Daffodil
narcissus pseudonarcissus
Also known as: ["Daffodil","Jonquil","Narcissus"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant known for its bright yellow or white flowers, native to Europe and North Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus pseudonarcissus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; foliage can be removed 6–8 weeks after blooming when it turns yellow or brown.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning (removal of flowers); foliage should not be cut until it has fully yellowed or died ba
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ensure adequate ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage rot; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if drainage is poor.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) during active growth; tolerate cold dormancy (down to 20°F or -6°C); avoid extreme heat.
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent cool temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer sparingly to avoid burning bulbs; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients; stop feeding when foliage yellows.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs;Offsets (small bulbs that form around the base of mature bulbs) are the most common method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets from the parent bulb.
- Replant offsets at the appropriate depth (2–3 times their height).
- Water lightly.
Best Time: After flowering, when foliage begins to die back, or during dormancy in late summer/early fall.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with moderate humidity; avoid direct sunlight until established.
Medium
Well-drained soil mix with added sand or perlite; can also be propagated in water for a short period before planting.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; rooting hormone can be used for cuttings if attempting vegetative propagation.
Timeline
Bulbs can be planted immediately after division; flowering typically occurs the following spring.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves, small trowel.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets promptly to prevent drying; ensure each offset has roots or a basal plate; space bulbs adequately for good air circulation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stems at the base after blooming; tie foliage into bundles if it becomes unsightly, but do not remove until it dies naturally.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; allow foliage to die back naturally to replenish bulb nutrients.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, or a sharp knife.
Checklist
Remove faded flowers promptly; do not cut foliage until it yellows; tie foliage if needed for aesthetics.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy but before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot that is 2–3 times the width of the bulb cluster; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at twice their height in fresh, well-drained soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if bulbs become overcrowded or the soil is depleted; typically every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Inspect bulbs for damage; use fresh soil mix; plant at correct depth; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; reduce watering in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; weak growth or failure to flower in insufficiently cold winters.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures induce dormancy, which is necessary for flowering; prolonged freezing without protection can damage bulbs.
Solution: Mulch bulbs with straw or compost in winter; plant in well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot; avoid excessive fertilization before dormancy.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to yellow, flower buds to drop, and reduce flowering duration.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use bulb-specific fertilizer; apply at recommended dilution; fertilize only during active growth.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced bulb fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Narcissus pseudonarcissus. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects, as well as potential cardiac complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Narcissus pseudonarcissus can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and potential cardiac toxicity due to the presence of alkaloids. The bulbs are the most dangerous part.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus pseudonarcissus contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and cardiac issues upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are daffodils toxic to pets?
A: Yes, daffodils are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How do I care for daffodils?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in autumn, water moderately, and provide full sun to partial shade.
Q: Do daffodils attract wildlife?
A: Yes, they attract bees, butterflies, and birds, making them great for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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