Daffodils

28th March, 2022

One of the most loved of the Spring bulbs, Daffodils (Narcissus) can be planted in spring flower containers, in borders, and on grass lawns. Once bulbs are planted they will flower every spring.

  • Native to the woods and meadows of the Mediterranean region.

  • Cultivated commercially since the 16th century, when the Dutch started growing them. Since then 1000s of cultivars have been created, including some that are miniature, some large, and with different coloured flowers, including white, peach and orange.

  • Southern Britain (England/Wales) has a native Daffodil, known as Narcissus pseudonarcissus.

  • Plant new bulbs in autumn, usually at about two to three times the depth of the bulb size. They like sunny or partial shade areas in well drained soil.

  • Once daffodils are finished flowering, deadhead the flowers, and allow the leaves to dieback naturally, for optimal flowering the following year. Leave the leaves untouched for at least 6 weeks before mowing or cutting. This will reduce the chance of 'blindness' which is when daffodils grow the following year with no flowers.

  • Other reasons that daffodils might grow 'blind' and produce less or no flowers, is poor soil quality, overcrowding, pests and diseases and increased shade from growing trees.

  • The leaves and bulbs are poisonous, if consumed, so it is not recommended that they are grown near vegetable gardens or at allotment plots.

  • According to the National Farmer's Union the UK is the world's largest commercial grower of Daffodils and grows 90% of all Daffodils grown for cut flowers.

Watch the video below for some Narcissus inspiration!

Buy Daffodil bulbs from Thompson and Morgan HERE