Minnow Daffodil Narcissus 'Minnow' (8)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Minnow' is a charming flowering plant that features clusters of small, dainty blooms. Each flower exhibits a soft pale yellow hue with a slightly darker trumpet-like center that adds a touch of contrast to its appearance. The petals are rounded and slightly recurved, giving the flowers a gentle and inviting look. The trumpet center often has a frilly edge, contributing to the intricate detail of each individual bloom. The foliage of Narcissus 'Minnow' is slender and sword-shaped, emerging as a fresh green that sets off the yellow flowers beautifully. The leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the cheerful blossoms that are held aloft on sturdy stems. The overall impression is one of lightheartedness and springtime joy, with the blooms often appearing in clusters that create a generous display of color. The plant exudes a subtle fragrance, making it a delight not only to look at but also to smell, enhancing its appeal in garden settings and as cut flowers for indoor enjoyment. The allure of Narcissus 'Minnow' is further amplified by its tendency to naturalize, meaning it multiplies and returns year after year to grace gardens with its presence. Its compact and neat growth habit allows it to fit seamlessly into various garden spaces, from borders to rock gardens, and even in containers, where it provides a burst of spring brightness. It can be planted in groups to form drifts of yellow or interspersed with other spring-flowering bulbs for a tapestry of color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Tazetta Daffodil, Miniature Daffodil, Dwarf Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Minnow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil 'Minnow' is considered toxic to humans due to the presence of alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to cardiac arrhythmias or neurological issues. Caution is advised to prevent accidental consumption, especially by children.
To pets
Daffodil 'Minnow' is toxic to pets as well. The ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it can potentially lead to death. Pet owners should ensure these plants are kept out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Narcissus 'Minnow' is relatively low maintenance and straightforward to cultivate, making it a great choice for novice gardeners.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its beautiful, small, yellow flowers and pleasant fragrance, it adds visual interest and perfume to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: This plant attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and pollination of nearby plants.
- Spring blooming: As an early spring bloomer, Narcissus 'Minnow' provides early color to the garden after winter.
- Perennial growth: Being a perennial, it will come back year after year, reducing the need to replant annually.
- Multiplication: This plant tends to naturally propagate, increasing in numbers over the years and filling out garden spaces.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for various climates.
- Cutting flower: Its stems are strong enough to be used in flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Minnow', commonly known as Daffodil, can be used in pressed flower art due to its attractive blossoms, providing texture and a pop of color to such crafts.
- The sturdy stems of Daffodils can be incorporated into homemade wreaths and garlands, giving a springtime feel to home decor.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used for natural dyeing processes, producing colors in the yellow range for fabrics and yarns.
- The flowers of the Daffodil can be placed in floating bowls as a decorative centerpiece for events and special occasions for a touch of elegance.
- Entomology enthusiasts sometimes use Daffodils in insect study gardens to attract and observe various pollinators and insects that are drawn to the blooms.
- Daffodil petals can be used to make a delicate, eco-friendly confetti for weddings and celebrations, as they are biodegradable.
- The plant's distinctive trumpet-like shape allows for use in children's educational crafts, teaching about plant parts and springtime botany.
- Gardeners can use clusters of Daffodils to create natural borders or pathways in landscaping, utilizing their growth patterns for garden design.
- In photography, Daffodils offer a vibrant and seasonal subject for macro photography, capturing the details of early spring blossoms.
- Certain components of the Daffodil, distinct from the medicinal aspects, can be used in fragrance industry experimentation for their scent profile.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDaffodil, which is the most common common name for Narcissus 'Minnow', represents good fortune, rebirth, and new beginnings in Feng Shui. To use it effectively, place daffodils in the east part of your home or garden to promote health or in the southeast to attract wealth and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Narcissus 'Minnow' blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a fresh start.
- Self-Esteem: The name "Narcissus" comes from the myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, representing self-love and admiration.
- Vanity: In line with the myth, Narcissus 'Minnow' can be seen as a symbol of excessive self-involvement and vanity.
- Wealth: The bright yellow blooms are often associated with wealth and prosperity due to their gold-like color.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, Narcissus 'Minnow' is viewed as a bringer of luck and is often given as a token of good fortune.
- Uncertainty: Its intoxicating fragrance and alluring appearance can also symbolize ambiguity and the double-edged nature of beauty.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'Minnow' variety, should be watered thoroughly at planting and during active growth, but they don't require constant moisture. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 inch of water is sufficient, though this may vary depending on your climate and weather conditions. It's important not to over-water as daffodils prefer well-draining soil and can rot in soggy conditions. Decrease watering once the flowers have faded and the foliage begins to yellow, signaling that the plant is entering dormancy. During this period, you can reduce watering to every two to three weeks, providing about half a gallon for each plant.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade. The 'Minnow' variety, like other daffodils, will perform best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates, but flowering may be reduced in too much shade. For optimal growth and bloom, place 'Minnow' daffodils in a spot where they will enjoy morning sun and partial afternoon shade, particularly in warmer regions.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and the 'Minnow' variety is no exception; it can handle temperatures down to about 20°F and up to 75°F or higher. The ideal temperature range for 'Minnow' daffodils to thrive is between 50°F and 60°F. These plants usually bloom in the spring when temperatures are in this range. While they can survive brief periods of colder weather, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F can be damaging.
PruningPruning daffodils like 'Minnow' primarily involves deadheading, or removing spent flowers, to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent seed production, which can divert energy away from bulb growth. Cut back the flower stalks to the base after blooming, but leave the foliage in place until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually several weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to continue photosynthesizing and storing energy for the next season. Pruning is not needed frequently, usually only after blooming.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodil 'Minnow' thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal mix might include equal parts of loamy soil, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Minnow', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-5 years or when clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Minnow' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, thriving in the natural outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures for Daffodils.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Narcissus 'Minnow' is Miniature Daffodil. The life of a Miniature Daffodil begins with a dormant bulb, which typically lies underground during the summer. In autumn, roots develop and the bulb starts to sprout, with leaves and a flower stalk emerging as temperature and light conditions become favorable. In late winter to early spring, the plant flowers, producing small, fragrant yellow blossoms. After flowering, the foliage continues to photosynthesize, providing energy that is stored in the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant enters dormancy again, completing its annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method to propagate Narcissus 'Minnow', commonly known as the Minnow daffodil, is through division of its bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to fall after the foliage has died back. Gardeners carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs, which are commonly referred to as bulblets, from the parent bulb. These bulblets can be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, spaced 3-6 inches apart (approximately 7.5-15 cm). The new plantings will usually bloom in the following spring. Care should be taken to allow the foliage of the daffodils to die back naturally before digging up the bulbs, as the leaves provide necessary nutrients for the next year's growth cycle.
