Daffodil Narcissus 'Ben Hee' (2)

Water

Daffodils, like Narcissus 'Ben Hee', typically require consistent moisture during their growing season, which is in the spring and leading into early summer. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. It's important to avoid overwatering as daffodils are prone to bulb rot if the soil remains too wet. Once the plants have finished flowering and the foliage starts to die back, you can reduce watering since the bulb is entering dormancy.

Light

Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Ben Hee', thrive best in full sunlight to partial shade. A location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensuring adequate light will encourage better blooms during the spring season.

Temperature

Daffodils, such as Narcissus 'Ben Hee', prefer cooler climates and typically do well in temperature ranges between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand winter cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and are generally hardy in zones 3 through 9. It's important that the temperature does not exceed 70 degrees too often, as higher temperatures may reduce the longevity of their blooms.

Pruning

Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Ben Hee', should have spent flowers removed to prevent seed pod formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Otherwise, pruning is minimal; do not cut the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually six to eight weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to store energy in the bulb for the next season’s growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Daffodil (Narcissus 'Ben Hee') should be well-draining, fertile, and hold some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix of loamy garden soil with added organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, can create an ideal environment. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Ben Hee', typically do not need to be repotted often. They are normally planted as bulbs outdoors and left to naturalize. If grown in containers, they may need repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil or if the bulbs have outgrown their current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Daffodils like Narcissus 'Ben Hee' prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive when the surrounding environment reflects typical outdoor humidity conditions, without the need for specific humidity adjustments as long as they are planted in a well-draining soil that prevents excess moisture around the bulbs.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Daffodil 'Ben Hee' in bright, indirect light and cool spot.

• Outdoor

  Plant Daffodil 'Ben Hee' in well-drained soil in full to part sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Narcissus 'Ben Hee', commonly known as the daffodil, begins with a period of dormancy as a bulb underground, typically during the summer months. In autumn, roots grow from the base of the bulb as the temperature cools and moisture increases. Following root development, leaves and flower stems start to emerge from the bulb with the arrival of spring, capitalizing on the seasonal moisture and mild temperatures. The plant blooms in late winter to early spring, producing the characteristic trumpet-shaped flowers that vary in color depending on the variety, with 'Ben Hee' often displaying vibrant hues. After blooming, the foliage photosynthesizes to produce energy, which is stored back in the bulb for the next growth cycle. Once the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer, the plant reenters dormancy, completing its annual life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most common method of propagating a Daffodil 'Ben Hee' is through bulb division, which is typically done in the late summer to autumn, after the foliage has died back. Mature bulbs will produce offsets, which are smaller bulbs attached to the base of the main bulb. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets from the parent bulb. The offsets should then be replanted immediately, at a depth approximately thrice their height, in well-drained soil with good sunlight. This process encourages the growth of new plants that will flower in subsequent seasons, usually after a year of rooting and growth.