How to Care for a Narcissus Flower

Water the soil under the narcissus plants with 1 inch of water per week from the late winter all the way through the fall. It's important to continue watering after the flowers and leaves fade back to keep the underground bulbs alive.

Spread a 1-inch layer of compost on the soil where the narcissus are planted in the early spring to provide nutrients. Repeat the application each year.

Apply fertilizer annually right after blossoming.

Wait until the flowers begin to fade and wilt, then cut the entire stalk off near the center of the plant using hand pruners. Leave the leaves on the plant until they turn yellow or brown, approximately 30 days later. Then cut the leaves off 1 inch above the ground using hand pruners or pruning shears.

Spread 2 inches of straw, peat moss or leaves around the base of the narcissus plants in the late fall to protect the bulbs during the winter. This is typically only required for the first year after planting.

Wait until the clumps of narcissus flowers double in size, approximately every five years. Dig up the clump using a shovel and separate out the bulbs by working your fingers through the clump. Replant one half of the bulbs in the same location and dig a new hole elsewhere for the remaining bulbs.