Daffodil 'Peeping Tom' Narcissus 'Peeping Tom' (6)

Water

For Daffodil 'Peeping Tom', it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during their growth and blooming in the spring. Water these bulbs deeply once a week with about one inch of water, or more if the weather is particularly dry or windy. After blooming, you can reduce the frequency, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely until the foliage has died back and the plant has gone dormant. Avoid overhead watering to prevent wet foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, apply the water directly to the base of the plant or use a drip irrigation system.

Light

Daffodil 'Peeping Tom' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot would be where the plant can get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you are planting these bulbs in a garden, ensure they are not overshadowed by taller plants as the season progresses.

Temperature

Daffodils like 'Peeping Tom' prefer cooler climates and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20°F. They can survive up to 100°F during their dormant period in the summer but thrive best when spring temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. Ensuring proper insulation during extreme cold can help protect the bulbs.

Pruning

Pruning Daffodil 'Peeping Tom' involves deadheading the spent flowers after they fade to redirect energy into bulb growth, but leave the foliage intact until it naturally dies back. Do not cut back the leaves until they have yellowed and withered, which is typically a few weeks after flowering. This practice helps the plant store energy for the next year's bloom and should be done annually.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Daffodils like 'Peeping Tom' prefer well-draining soil with a blend of loam, sand, and compost to nourish the plant. The best pH for daffodils is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. Ideal soil mix for 'Peeping Tom' would be 2 parts loam, 1 part sand, and 1 part compost or well-rotted manure.

Repotting

Daffodils like 'Peeping Tom' don't need frequent repotting and are typically replanted every 3 to 5 years. They should be repotted when the bulbs become crowded or start to produce fewer flowers.

Humidity & Misting

Daffodils like 'Peeping Tom' are not particularly sensitive to humidity levels and can thrive in average room humidity. Outdoor humidity levels are generally suitable for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place 'Peeping Tom' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures indoors.

• Outdoor

  Ensure full sun to partial shade and plant bulbs in autumn for spring blooms.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Daffodil 'Peeping Tom' begins its life as a bulb, which is a dormant stage that allows it to survive harsh conditions. Once environmental cues such as temperature and moisture levels signal the arrival of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, sending up green shoots and leaves. The plant develops a tall stem that bears the distinctive yellow, trumpet-shaped flower for which daffodils are known. After the flowering period, the plant undergoes pollination, potentially setting seed if flowers are fertilized by pollen from another daffodil. As the flowering ends, the plant enters a period of senescence where the foliage dies back and the plant directs energy back into the bulb for the next growing season. The bulb lies dormant through the winter until the cycle restarts with the next spring's thaw.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The Narcissus 'Peeping Tom', commonly known as the daffodil, is typically propagated through division of bulbs, which is its most popular method of propagation. The best time to propagate daffodils by bulb division is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has faded and the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them, making sure that each section has at least one bulb or bulb cluster with some roots attached. Replant the separated bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15 cm) apart to ensure ample room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This method encourages clonal reproduction, ensuring the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant, thus preserving the characteristics of the 'Peeping Tom' variety.