Daffodil 'Precocious' Narcissus 'Precocious' (2)
ABOUT
'Precocious' is a large-cupped daffodil with white flowers 10cm across, with contrasting, flared and frilled, bright orange-pink cups
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Precocious Daffodil, Precocious Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Precocious'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Blooming: As its name suggests, Narcissus 'Precocious' is one of the earlier blooming daffodils, bringing color to the garden in late winter to early spring.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant has striking flowers that enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape where it is planted.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils generally require minimal care once established, making them suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Pest Resistance: Narcissus 'Precocious' is known for its resistance to deer and rodents, which often avoid eating daffodils due to their toxicity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, daffodils can tolerate periods of dryness, making them suitable for gardens in regions with varying rainfall.
- Naturalizing: This plant tends to naturalize or spread over time, which can provide increasing blooms and coverage in subsequent seasons.
- Cut Flower Use: The blossoms of Narcissus 'Precocious' hold up well when cut, making them ideal for creating floral arrangements.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: Narcissus 'Precocious', commonly known as daffodil, is often used in floral arrangements due to its bright color and unique shape which can add a touch of spring to any bouquet.
- Photography Projects: The distinct appearance of daffodil flowers makes them a popular subject for photographers, particularly in spring-themed photoshoots.
- Artistic Inspiration: Daffodils have been used as a muse in various forms of art, including painting and poetry, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Gardening Education: The daffodil can be used in educational settings to teach about plant lifecycles, bulb planting, and spring blooming patterns.
- Color Dye: The petals of daffodils can be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics or Easter eggs.
- Eco-friendly Pest Control: Some gardeners plant daffodils as a companion plant because they are believed to deter certain pests with their toxic properties.
- Floating Decor: Daffodil blooms can be floated in bowls of water as a simple and elegant decorative element for events or home decor.
- Fragrance Extraction: The scent of daffodils can be extracted and used in perfumery, although it is not a common practice due to the difficulty of extraction.
- Soil Erosion Control: Daffodils, with their hardy nature and ability to naturalize, can help prevent soil erosion in certain landscapes.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Daffodils are often associated with spring festivals and celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year or as symbols of hope in cancer awareness campaigns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil, a common name for Narcissus 'Precocious', can be used in Feng Shui to bring positive energy into the home, particularly when placed in the wealth corner (southeast) of a room or property to attract abundance and prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The name Narcissus is derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection. Thus, the plant symbolizes self-love and narcissism.
- Renewal: As a spring-blooming flower, the Narcissus often symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Vanity: Given its connection to the Narcissus myth, the flower is also often associated with vanity and excessive self-admiration.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is seen as a symbol of wealth and success due to its lush, full blooms.
- Hope: The appearance of the Narcissus after a long winter is sometimes seen as a sign of hope and the enduring human spirit.
WaterDaffodil 'Precocious' should be watered thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, provide about one gallon of water per week per square yard of soil. Adjust watering during periods of rain or drought, decreasing the amount if there is significant rainfall and increasing it if conditions are especially dry. It's crucial not to over-water, as daffodils are prone to bulb rot when left in soggy soil. After the daffodils have bloomed and the leaves start to yellow, gradually reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.
LightDaffodil 'Precocious' prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be in an area that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Too much shade can result in fewer blossoms and weaker growth.
TemperatureDaffodils 'Precocious' are cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 5°F, although they prefer milder conditions typical to spring. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, which are ideal for growth and flowering. Daffodils should not be exposed to extreme heat, as high temperatures can adversely affect the plant's growth and bloom.
PruningPrune Daffodil 'Precocious' to remove spent flowers and maintain plant health by deadheading after blooming. Do not cut back the foliage until it has died back naturally, usually 6 weeks after flowering, as the leaves are needed to collect energy for next year's bloom. Pruning is typically done annually after flowering has completed.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Precocious' thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix is one part loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients.
RepottingDaffodils generally do not need to be repotted often; repotting every 3-5 years, or when the bulbs become crowded, is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Precocious' prefer average humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep in cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full to partial sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Narcissus 'Precocious', commonly known as the daffodil, begins with a bulb planted in fall before the first frost. In late winter to early spring, the bulb sends up green shoots, which develop into stems and leaves. Following the foliage, buds form and then bloom into the characteristic bright yellow flowers of the daffodil, often in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves produce food for the bulb to store energy for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow and wither, the plant enters dormancy over the summer, retreating back into the bulb. The cycle repeats when the bulb senses the temperature changes of the next fall season, signaling it to prepare for the next round of growth and blooming.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
The most popular method of propagating the daffodil 'Precocious' is through dividing and replanting the bulbs. This process typically takes place in the fall, ideally after the foliage has withered and before the ground freezes. Gardeners should carefully dig around the clumps of daffodils, lift the bulbs gently, and brush off the soil. Dividing the clump is simply a matter of gently pulling apart the bulbs at the natural division points. These separated bulbs should then be replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 cm) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15.24 cm) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. By spring, these bulbs will have taken root and will start producing new shoots, culminating in blooms in the following weeks.
