🌼 How to Grow Daffodil Lily (Narcissus) from Bulbs

Also Known As:

• Hindi: नरगिस

• Tamil: நர்சிசஸ்

• Telugu: నార్సిసస్ పుష్పం

• Malayalam: നാർസിസസ്

• Kannada: ನಾರ್ಸಿಸಸ್

• English: Daffodil / Daffodil Lily

• Botanical Name: Narcissus spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Best Planting Time:
  – Autumn (September–November)

• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring (February–April)

• Ideal Temperature for Planting: 10°C–16°C

• Climate: Cool, temperate regions with a distinct winter

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Tip: Add sand or compost to improve drainage

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

• Depth: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep

• Spacing: 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) apart

• Orientation: Pointed end up (root side down)

4. 💧 Watering

• Water thoroughly after planting

• Keep soil slightly moist—not soggy

• Reduce watering once foliage starts to yellow after blooming

5. 🌿 Growth & Blooming

• Shoots Emerge: 2–3 weeks after planting (once chilled)

• Foliage: Long, strappy green leaves

• Flowers: Trumpet-shaped blooms, usually yellow or white, in late winter or early spring

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

• Best Temps: Cool winters and mild springs

• Note: Needs cold dormancy to bloom well

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Add bulb fertilizer at planting time

• Top-dress with compost in early spring

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (promotes leaves, not flowers)

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Pests: Aphids, bulb mites, narcissus bulb fly
  – Use insecticidal soap or neem oil

• Diseases: Basal rot, mold, viruses
  – Avoid waterlogging and handle bulbs gently
  – Discard diseased bulbs

9. 🌸 Aftercare & Maintenance

• Do not cut leaves until they turn yellow and die back naturally (helps recharge bulbs)

• Deadhead faded flowers to prevent seed production

• Divide clumps every 3–5 years in late spring or summer

• Store lifted bulbs in a cool, dry place if needed

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Propagation:
  – By bulb division (offsets)
  – Allow foliage to die back completely before lifting

• Storage: Store in paper bags or mesh trays in a dark, ventilated place

🌸 Benefits of Daffodil Lilies

✔ Early bloomers — bring color after winter
✔ Naturalizes well — spreads and returns each year
✔ Deer- and rodent-resistant
✔ Bright, cheerful addition to flower beds, borders and containers