Daffodil 'Special Envoy' Narcissus 'Special Envoy' (2)

Water

Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Special Envoy', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then receive approximately 1 inch of water per week, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent bulb rot. Once established, they typically do not require additional watering unless there is a dry spell. During the growing season, if there is no rain, watering them once a week with about half a gallon per square yard is usually sufficient. After they have flowered and the leaves begin to yellow, you can cut back on watering as the plant is entering dormancy.

Light

Daffodils such as Narcissus 'Special Envoy' thrive best in full sunlight to light shade. They should be planted in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot summers, a location with afternoon shade can help protect the plants from intense heat.

Temperature

Daffodils like Narcissus 'Special Envoy' prefer cool to moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range from about 50°F to 70°F as their ideal growing conditions. They are hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F to -15°F, and they require a period of cold dormancy to bloom properly.

Pruning

Pruning daffodils such as Narcissus 'Special Envoy' mainly involves deadheading the spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and to prevent seed formation, which can reduce future blooming. The foliage should be allowed to die back naturally and should not be cut back until it has turned yellow, usually six weeks after flowering, as the leaves are necessary to replenish the bulb for the next growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for growing daffodils (Narcissus 'Special Envoy') is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH, ideally ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture composed of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand or perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure will provide the nutrients and drainage needed.

Repotting

Daffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Special Envoy', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It is best to repot or divide the bulbs every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Special Envoy', prefer average humidity conditions and do not require a specific humidity level. They are adaptable to the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full to partial sun.

Life cycle

Narcissus 'Special Envoy', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the hot or cold adverse conditions. In early spring, as temperatures warm, the bulb sends up green shoots followed by leaves and a sturdy stem that will eventually bear the flower. The Daffodil blooms, producing a single large white flower with a yellow trumpet, which is typically pollinated by insects. After flowering, it sets seeds, but propagation is more commonly achieved through bulb division. The leaves photosynthesize to produce energy, which is stored back in the bulb for the next growing season. As the season ends, the foliage dies back and the plant re-enters dormancy, with the bulb lying in wait to repeat the cycle in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Narcissus 'Special Envoy', more commonly known as daffodil, is through dividing and replanting the bulbs. The ideal time to do this is after the foliage has died back in late spring to early summer. Gardeners should carefully dig up the clusters of bulbs and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least one growing point or shoot. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately, at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15 cm) apart to allow for adequate growing room. Watering the newly planted bulbs will help establish them. By following this simple bulb division technique, gardeners can effectively propagate daffodils ensuring a vibrant display for the following spring.