Precise planning for Narcissus cultivars must be specific for each North American Climatic Zone USDA Climatic Zone Map.

• Select cultivars for flowering periods and plant heights.
  
• Select well-drained planting sites with exposure to either A.M., P.M., or entire day direct sunlight.

Before planting, store Narcissus(Daffodils/Jonquils/Paperwhites) bulbs at 55-65°F (13-18°C) in open trays or boxes in a well ventilated, ethylene-free area.

Planting Guidelines

• Be certain that the planting area is well drained!
  
• pH optimum is 6-7, but it can range from 5.3 to 7.5.
  
• Plant, in fall, at optimal time for each climatic zone.
  
• Plant bulbs at proper depth.
  • Large circumference bulbs - plant bulb with base 8 inches (20 cm) deep.
  • Small circumference bulbs - plant bulb with base 6 inches (15 cm) deep.
    
• Space bulbs for desired design effect. When only small bulb numbers are used, they should be clumped for maximum effect.
  
• Fertilize planted area - two systems are available:
  
  • Bulb Booster™ - One rounded tablespoon per square foot (4 lbs./100 sq. ft.).
    
  • Soluble NPK Fertilizer - For 8-8-8, use 1 level tablespoon per square foot and for 10-10-10, use 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot (3 lbs./100 sq. ft.) at planting and in early spring as leaf tips emerge from the soil.
• If required, water the planted area.
  
• Mulch the planted area. Organic mulches can be used to compensate for planting depth, e.g., plant large circumference bulbs 4 inches (10 cm) deep and use 4 inches (10 cm) of mulch.

Seasonal Management of Flower Bulbs Used for Perennialization

• Fertilize planted area with either:
  
  • Bulb Booster™ - Every fall or
    
  • Soluble NPK Fertilizer - Every fall and early spring as soon as leaf tips emerge from the soil.
• After flowering, remove senescing flower heads.
  
• Allow foliage to senesce (die) naturally for at least 10 weeks after flowering. This promotes bulb growth for flowering in the subsequent spring.
  
• Always monitor for serious diseases and insects. Use an IPM approach.

Consumer Horticulture | Bulletin 41: Narcissus