Daffodil 'Merlin' Narcissus 'Merlin' (3)

Water

Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Merlin', require consistent moisture throughout the growing season but should not be overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A good approach is to provide about one inch of water per week, which is roughly 0.623 gallons for a square foot area. It's essential to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to bulb rot. During the dormant period after flowering, reduce watering as the plant needs to dry out before its dormant period.

Light

The best light conditions for a Daffodil like Narcissus 'Merlin' involve full sun to partial shade. They thrive with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that receives morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon is optimal as intense afternoon sun can be too harsh for the bulbs.

Temperature

Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Merlin', prefer moderate temperatures and can typically survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. They tolerate a wide temperature range but grow best when daytime temperatures are between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures are cooler. It's imperative to ensure they are not exposed to extreme cold below 15 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods as this may damage the bulbs.

Pruning

Pruning Daffodils, such as Narcissus 'Merlin', is generally minimal and involves the removal of spent flower heads after blooming to prevent seed formation. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows and begins to wilt naturally, which typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, to allow the plant to store energy for next year's growth. Cut the foliage back to the ground only after it turns yellow.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Daffodil 'Merlin' prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7. For the best soil mix, combine equal parts of loam, sand, and compost to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for daffodil growth.

Repotting

Daffodil 'Merlin' typically does not need frequent repotting. It should be repotted once every 2 to 3 years or when the bulbs become crowded in their current container, generally after the blooming season in late spring.

Humidity & Misting

Daffodil 'Merlin' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. Average room humidity is generally sufficient for these flowers when grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Daffodil 'Merlin' in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  For outdoor growth, plant Daffodil 'Merlin' in full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Narcissus 'Merlin', commonly known as the Merlin Daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in the ground, typically in the fall before the first frost. During winter, the bulb undergoes a period of dormancy, which is critical for the development of the flower bud. As temperatures rise in early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, producing green leaves and a stem that culminates in a single flower, which can be characterized by its white petals and orange-pink trumpet. After the flowering period, the Merlin Daffodil enters a phase of photosynthesis and energy storage, where the leaves gather energy from the sun to replenish the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant goes into dormancy again during the summer months, conserving its resources within the bulb. The cycle repeats annually with bulbs potentially multiplying, forming clumps that can be divided every few years to propagate new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The Narcissus 'Merlin', commonly known as the Daffodil 'Merlin', is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. The most popular and effective time to divide Daffodil bulbs is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground has become too hard to work. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the soil using a spade, avoiding damage to the bulbs. They should then gently separate the bulbs by hand, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. These individual bulbs can then be replanted at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which is around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), ensuring enough space between them for ample growth. Replanting immediately helps prevent the bulbs from drying out and aids in the establishment of roots before the winter. This method not only multiplies the number of plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become overcrowded and less vigorous.