In some regions of Europe, the yellow daffodil, which is also known as the daffodil because it blooms in spring, also occurs in wild locations in nature. Because it is easy to propagate in suitable locations, it is a popular harbinger of spring in parks and gardens.
How do I properly care for my daffodils?
Easter bell care includes occasional watering, fertilizing with compost, avoiding waterlogging, removing wilted flowers and leaving the bulbs outdoors during the winter months. Wear gloves when grooming to prevent skin irritation from plant sap.
Should daffodils be watered?
In average humus-rich locations, the daffodil actually does not need any additional watering if its bulb has been planted at a depth of at least three times the bulb height (equivalent to around 15 - 20 centimeters). Since the bulbs should not dry out, occasional watering is recommended for potted crops, in particularly dry locations or after a dry winter.
Can daffodils also be grown in pots?
Easter bells are often available commercially as early potted plants that are about to bloom. You can also cultivate daffodils in pots yourself, but you should not transplant them during the flowering period. When grown in a pot, more regular care is required than in an outdoor bed, as the bulbs must neither dry out nor suffer from waterlogging.
How and when are daffodils cut?
Unless you do not want seeds to spread in the garden, you can remove wilted flowers directly. In any case, leave the daffodil leaves standing until they wilt on their own and can be picked off with little effort. This allows the plants to store maximum energy in the bulbs for the following year before you remove the leaves.
What pests and diseases affect daffodils?
The following causes can be responsible for he alth problems with your daffodils, but usually only occur in larger populations or in daffodil nurseries:
- Various mushroom species
- Mites
- Daffodil flies
Incorrectly stored daffodil bulbs can be attacked by mites; the maggots of the large daffodil fly can hollow out entire bulbs in the soil from the inside. Larger populations can be susceptible to diseases caused by nematodes and certain types of fungi in the soil, which cause phenomena such as rotting bulbs and premature yellowing of leaves. Infected locations should not be planted with daffodils for at least five years.
Should daffodils be fertilized?
Daffodil species like the daffodil usually do not need any special fertilizer as they can absorb all the nutrients they need from average garden soil. But you can do something good for the daffodils if you mix some seasoned compost into the substrate when planting the bulbs and protect loamy soils with a little sand against waterlogging.
How are daffodils optimally overwintered?
Daffodils planted directly in the ground are completely hardy (not least because of the depth of planting). In contrast to some other flower bulbs, they do not have to be dug up, especially since the poisonous bulbs in the cellar would pose a risk due to the risk of being confused with edible onions.
Tip
To prevent skin irritation from the plant sap, you should wear gloves when caring for daffodils. Avoid contact of small children and pets with the cutting material and the bulbs of the daffodils, as they can pose a danger due to the toxins they contain.