Growing Nargis (daffodil, Narcissus) bulbs is straightforward if you provide a cool dormant period and well-drained soil. Here’s how:
1. Choose healthy bulbs
- Select firm, heavy bulbs.
- Avoid bulbs that are soft, moldy, or damaged.
2. Planting time
- In temperate climates, plant in autumn (September–November) so they root before winter.
- In warmer regions like much of India, bulbs often need pre-chilling in a refrigerator (4–9°C) for 8–12 weeks before planting because they require cold to bloom well.
3. Select the location
- Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight).
- Well-draining soil is essential. Waterlogged soil can rot the bulbs.
4. Plant the bulbs
- Plant with the pointed end facing upward.
- Plant at a depth of about 2–3 times the bulb’s height (usually 10–15 cm deep).
- Space bulbs 10–15 cm apart.
5. Watering
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Keep the soil slightly moist while roots develop.
- Once leaves appear, water when the top few centimeters of soil become dry.
- Avoid overwatering.
6. Fertilizing
- Mix compost into the soil before planting.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) when shoots emerge and again after flowering.
7. During flowering
- Flowers usually appear in late winter to spring after the cold period.
- Remove faded flowers, but leave the leaves intact.
8. After flowering
- Let the leaves remain until they turn yellow naturally (about 6 weeks). This allows the bulb to store energy for next year’s blooms.
- Then cut back the foliage.
- Bulbs can stay in the ground if winters are cold enough, or be lifted, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place.
Growing in pots
- Use a pot with drainage holes.
- Fill with a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant bulbs close together but not touching.
- Chill the bulbs before planting if your climate doesn’t provide enough winter cold.
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