Narcissus Rip van Winkle

Daffodils and Narcissi are suitable for planting in the border or in containers and they can be naturalised in the woodland garden or grass. When planting them in pots, ensure they are kept in cool conditions as exposure to heat could cause the flower buds to die off. They will tolerate most soils but prefer moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soil that is well-drained and moist during the growing season. They prefer full sun to partial shade. Plant around 10-15 cm deep or slightly deeper when planting in grass or light soil. Allow around 50-60 bulbs per square meter for dwarf varieties and around 75-100 per square meter. Late flowering varieties should be watered during dry spring weather as they are prone to non-flowering if left to dry and a high potash fertiliser can be applied during the growing period to promote the flower storage for the following year. Dead-head the flowers as soon as they begin to fade, and leave the foliage to die back naturally for at least six weeks. For Pseudo and Cyclamineus varieties, delay dead-heading until the seed has dispersed. Lift and divide the clumps of bulbs if flowering is sparse or congested.