Delicate ivory paperwhites, scented clusters of jonquils, sunny big-cupped daffodils — all are narcissus (Narcissus spp.). These early spring flowers grow from bulbs planted in late fall in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11, depending on cultivar. Narcissus are usually planted in groups in flower borders and rock gardens and naturalized in lawns, but good drainage is necessary wherever they are as the bulbs are sensitive to moisture.
Daffodil bulbs are generally planted 6 inches deep in mid- to late fall. Water the bulbs well at planting time — about 1 to 2 inches of water in one to two good soakings. In mild-winter climates with rainy winters, plant the bulbs just before the rainy season begins, and hold off watering before the rains start. Moisture prompts the bulbs to send out roots, which could lead to fungal infection while the soil is still warm. Once the weather cools, the fungus is no longer active in the soil.
Provide daffodils with about an inch of water per week while they are putting on foliage and blooming. Bulbs that are planted under trees should be watered twice a week because of competition for water with thirsty tree roots. Continue watering for three weeks after blooms fade. This allows foliage to persist longer to fuel stronger growth the next season.
After blooms have faded and daffodil foliage has died back, do not water. When the weather is warm and bulbs are in moist soil, they rot easily. Daffodils are not suited to mixed borders with other plants that require water during the summer or in low points where water collects. Daffodils in consistently moist summer locations should be lifted and stored for replanting in a new location in the fall.
A sign that your daffodils did not receive enough water during their development is a condition known as daffodil blindness. When daffodils that previously bloomed well produce no blooms, they are considered "blind." While crowding and failing to leave fading foliage in place the season before contributes to daffodil blindness, lack of adequate water is a key factor. Keep plants well watered until foliage dies down, and mulch the area to retain moisture to improve bloom the next season. If it does not improve, lift and divide the bulbs.
- University of Tennessee Gardens: Plant of the Month: Daffodil
- Fine Gardening: Genus Narcissus
- University of California Solano County Extension: March Flower — Daffodil
- Florida Daffodil Society: Tips for Successful Planting
- Northern California Daffodil Society: Guidelines to Growing Beautiful Daffodils in Your Garden
- Royal Horticultural Society: Daffodil Blindness
- Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images