Daffodils, Narcissus, and Paperwhites

		There are many forms of daffodils and narcissus. Daffodils grow in a variety of climates and make fine companions for perennial gardens. They are deer and rodent resistant and generally naturalize well in the garden. Daffodils can be used in borders, woodland settings, containers, for forcing inside, and as cut flowers. They like a sunny to light shady area. Large daffodils should be planted 6 - 8 inches deep, while smaller varieties should be planted about 4 - 5 inches deep. Space the bulbs 2 - 6 inches apart depending on the size of the daffodil. They should be planted in the fall. Some of the types of daffodils and narcissus are as follows: Trumpet daffodils - These are the best known group of the narcissi. Multiplying freely, these terrific naturalizers have a long blooming season. They have one flower per stem with a trumpet as long as or longer than the petals. Large-cupped daffodils - The cup is at least one-third as long but less than the full length of the petals. Small-cupped daffodils - The cup is a shallow trumpet, not more than one-third the length of the petals. Double daffodils - Double daffodils look a bit like roses or camellias with extra petals in the trumpet, the perianth, or both. More than one flower per stem. Great for cut flowers. Petite Low-Growing daffodils - Offered in a wide range of colors and shapes, they are perfect for rock gardens, borders, beds, window boxes and for naturalizing. Tazetta daffodils - Paperwhite narcissus bulbs fall into this group. Up to 20 flowers per stem and very fragrant. Growing Paperwhites Indoors Paperwhites are wonderfully easy to grow with clusters of dainty white fragrant blooms you will enjoy for several weeks. Use 4 or 5 bulbs in a 6 inch dish or 7 bulbs in an 8 inch dish.(May need to put fewer bulbs in if the bulbs are large). Place the dish in a dark place for a week or two until roots form and the bulbs feel tight in the pebbles. When sprouts begin to grow, move the dish to bright light and watch as the foliage and flowers emerge. Remember to add water periodically; do not let the bulbs dry out. (Keep the water level at the bottom of the bulbs.) Paperwhites may also be grown in a flower pot with soil. Select a pot with a drain hole and fill it half way with good quality potting soil. Place the bulbs in pointed end up and fill the rest of the pot with soil. Water well and put in a dark place until sprouts begin to grow. Then move the pot into bright light. Remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Cool temperatures (65 degrees F) will keep the flowers fresher longer. Growing other Daffodils and Narcissus Indoors Daffodils and Narcissus will also bloom indoors with a little extra preparation. Select varieties labeled "Good for Forcing" and a flowerpot with a drain hole. Fill it half full with good quality potting soil. Set the bulbs close together with the pointed end up. Fill the pot with soil and water thoroughly. The next step is very important and cannot be hurried. Place the pot in a cool dark place for 12 to 16 weeks. The temperature must be below 50 degrees F but above freezing. A cool cellar, old refrigerator, or a cold frame will do. (In warm climates the pot must go in a refrigerator). Water regularly if needed. After at least 12 weeks, roots will have formed and sprouts begun to grow. Bring the pot inside in bright light and watch the leaves and flowers develop. Growth is rapid from this point. Temperatures of 65 degrees F to 70 degrees F are ideal during the day; cooler temperatures at night will keep the flowers fresher longer. For a succession of bloom during the winter, plant several different pots and bring them inside at one week intervals. Plant an extra pot for a lovely gift. After blooming, forced flowerbulbs will not re-bloom and should be discarded.

Mid City Nursery, Inc
3635 Broadway
Napa-Vallejo Highway
American Canyon, CA 94503