CLARE BULB COMPANY INFORMATION SHEET

Daffodils

General description: Originally woodland bulbs, now much developed, with countless varieties. The genus name is narcissus , daffodils being the common name for the trumpet variety of narcissus. Normally yellow in colour with a varying length of trumpet and size of cup. They stand 15 to 20 inches high, with one flower per stem. Larger bulbs will however produce several flowering stems per bulb.


Carlton daffodils alongside a road in Aberdeenshire.


Mount Hood, the white daffodil.
 

 
As close to Wordsworth as we can get!            

Where best to plant: Half shade is the best position, although daffodils are tolerant of full sun and full shade. They prefer damp soil in the growing season, and for effect should be planted in clumps or drifts. Avoid planting in lawns, or where mowing is necessary during May.

Planting hints: Plant at least 8 inches deep, with several inches between each bulb. Avoid planting in orderly patterns: it’s not nature’s way.

Variety information: We sell four varieties. King Alfred is the earliest to flower, which in an early spring means March. This is followed by Best Seller, Dutch Master and Carlton.  We also sell Mount Hood, which opens yellow, but within a day turns white. There will be an overlap between each variety so a mixture will produce a longer flowering period.

Other useful facts: Do not cut off the leaves after flowering, nor tie up the leaves to make them look tidier. If you do there is almost no chance of a flower in the following year. Wait until the leaves are dead, and pull easily from the bulb before removing them.

If your bulbs are blind (i.e. without flowers), try lifting them and replanting with more space around them, in a different location. Or replant them deeper. Best is to buy some more, and start again.