Daffodil
Culture
by Debbie Vigil and Suzy Andrego
To begin__ what is the difference between a daffodil, a narcissus, and a
jonquil? Narcissus is the Latin, botanical name and daffodil is the common
English name and the two terms are interchangeable. Only one species of daffodil
is correctly called jonquilla, crosses of this species with other daffodils are
called jonquil hybrids.
Bulbs should be purchased from a reputable dealer. A good bulb has a flower in
it when it is sold for autumn planting. Giveaway bulbs, unless from a trusted
source, are of dubious value. Bargain bulbs from other than reputable dealers
are not bargains. Never buy or plant a soft daffodil bulb, because a soft bulb
usually means basal rot or other disease.
Daffodils will grow in light shade, but do better in full sun. Deep shade keeps
them from blooming after the first year. They will grow well in most soils, but
need plenty of moisture from the time they are planted until they finish growing
in the late spring. A good soaking one a week is not too much.
However, the soil must drain well. During the soil preparation, a complete
fertilizer, low in nitrogen, should be worked in (about ¼ cup per square foot).
Be sure the fertilizer does not come in direct contact with the bulbs.
Daffodils should be planted in September when the soil has cooled, if possible,
or at any time until the ground freezes. Most root grow this done in the fall
and early winter. Bulbs of normal size should be planted about six inches deep.
Smaller bulbs should be placed at lesser depths. A shallow planting will require
more frequent lifting and division, as the bulbs tend to split up more quickly
Leaves should never be cut from choice varieties since they are essential in
rebuilding the bulb after flowering. If the spring is dry, the flowerbeds should
be watered (an inch a week) to keep the foliage green as long as
possible. Cutting off or braiding sprawling green foliage severely limits the
short time that the bulb has to make its growth and form a flower, and should
not be done. When the foliage has dried up, remove it, and cultivate the ground,
so that insects do not have a path down the hole left by the foliage directly to
the bulbs.
Daffodil bulbs divide, and one bulb will in time become a clump of bulbs. They
should be dug and divided when the flowers become smaller and fewer (about
every 4 to 5 years.) Dig as the foliage turns yellow, store until fall in a
cool, airy place. Do not forcefully break the side shoots off the bulbs
.
Mulch gives bulbs a longer, better growing season. It also keeps the flowers
clean and helps to make the ground cooler in summer. Shredded bark, straw,
ground corn cobs, or sawdust are all good.
Newly purchased bulbs already have the flower bud developed when you receive
them and should provide a bloom the following spring. If you have receive a bulb
that is not true to name (if the catalog says it’s white, and your flower is
yellow and red you’ll know! Or if it fails to grow, a polite letter to the
dealer will usually bring a replacement bulb or refund. But remember that some
daffodils take several days to acquire the “catalog color” (i.e. whites that
open pale yellow or pinks that open yellow-orange), colors will be at their best
in cool, moist season). It is not uncommon for bulbs to fail to flower, or give
small blooms, the second year in your garden. They are busy adapting to your
soil, your climate, and your care. By the third season they should repay you
with a generous supply of lovely blooms.
03/30/2002