Daffodil 'Niveth' Narcissus 'Niveth' (5)

Water

Daffodils should be watered regularly in the spring while they are in active growth and during the fall, when they are establishing roots. Typically, watering once a week with about one inch of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on rainfall and soil drainage. It's best to water deeply to encourage deep root growth. During the dormant season in summer, reduce watering significantly, as daffodils are drought tolerant at this time. Ensure the soil is dry between watering to prevent bulb rot.

Light

Daffodils prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot is one where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planted under deciduous trees, they can enjoy full sun before the trees leaf out completely and provide too much shade. Avoid placing daffodils in heavily shaded areas as this will reduce their ability to bloom.

Temperature

Daffodils thrive in a wide range of temperatures but prefer the cooler conditions of USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. They can survive winter lows down to 5°F and are tolerant of cold soil temperatures while dormant. Ideally, they enjoy the mild temperatures of spring between 50°F and 70°F during their growth and blooming period.

Pruning

Daffodils require minimal pruning; simply deadhead the flowers after they fade to prevent seed production and encourage next year's bloom. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows and dies back naturally, as this allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb. The best time for pruning, or rather, deadheading, daffodils is late spring or early summer, after the flowers have finished blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Daffodil 'Niveth' is well-draining soil with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. A mix with equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal. The preferred soil pH for daffodils is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Daffodil 'Niveth' typically does not need frequent repotting. Repot every 3-5 years or when bulbs become overcrowded. Doing this in the fall after the leaves have died back is best for the plant's health.

Humidity & Misting

Daffodil 'Niveth' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels. Average indoor humidity is usually suitable. They do not require high humidity environments, thus making them adaptable to typical outdoor conditions as well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Daffodil 'Niveth' in bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Narcissus 'Niveth', commonly known as the 'Paperwhite', begins its life cycle as a bulb which remains dormant until the appropriate season, usually in late autumn or early winter. During its growth phase, roots develop from the base of the bulb as the shoot emerges and grows upwards, resulting in the appearance of strap-like green leaves. Following the development of leaves, a stem elongates and produces a flower bud that blossoms into the characteristic white, fragrant flowers for which Paperwhites are known. After flowering, the plant enters a senescence phase where the leaves yellow and die back as the plant directs energy into the bulb for storage. The bulb then enters a period of dormancy over the hotter months, conserving energy until the next growth cycle. This cyclic pattern of growth, flowering, senescence, and dormancy repeats annually, with the bulb potentially producing offsets that develop into new bulbs, thereby propagating the plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular way to propagate Narcissus 'Niveth', commonly known as daffodil, is through bulb division. This method is usually done in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Gardeners typically dig up the bulbs carefully to avoid damage and then gently separate any bulblets from the parent bulb. These smaller bulbs can then be replanted immediately, placed with the pointed end upwards, at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), and spaced 3 to 6 inches apart (approximately 7.5 to 15 centimeters). It's important to choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight to ensure the best conditions for growth. Bulb division helps maintain the vigor of the daffodil clumps and encourages more abundant blooming in the following spring.