How to Take Care of Narcissus

Narcissus is a genus of flowers that blooms in the spring and includes the daffodil, jonquil and Lent lily. These perennial plants bloom with brightly colored flowers and require very little care to properly thrive, making them a good choice for beginning gardeners. Most species of narcissus will bloom from late March to May. Most narcissus will grow in USDA Zones 4 to 9, although some cultivars are only hardy to Zone 6.

Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Plant narcissus bulbs in the fall when the weather begins to cool. Planting in October will allow the bulbs to grow strong roots during the fall, which leads to more flowers in the spring.
- 2
  Plant your bulbs in a place where the soil is rich, neutral and well-drained. Narcissus grow best in a sandy loam. Plant in a place where they will not have to compete with tree and shrub roots for nutrients.
- 3
  Choose a spot where your narcissus will receive full sunlight in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon. Strong afternoon light can cut short your blooming season and lead to faster fading.
- 4
  Water deeply one time per week. Start watering when you see the plant break through the ground. Stop watering when the flowers begin to fade. Make sure the soil is well-drained, or your narcissus can develop root rot.
- 5
  Pull away any nearby weeds, but beyond that, narcissus need very little cultivation. Cover them with 2 inches of mulch in the winter, especially in the first year of planting. Remove all but 1 inch of mulch when the danger of frost has passed. This will serve as the summer mulch.

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