Narcissus tazetta in the ground

Credit: Johan Jaritz

White and yellow flowers Narcissus tazetta

Credit: Ron Cogswell

White and yellow narcissus Narcissus tazetta

Credit: AndreaC

White and yellow flower Narcissus tazetta

Credit: Javier Martin

Narcissus tazetta in bloom

Credit: Zachi Evenor

Narcissus tazetta, the bouquet narcissus

When you like it, you don't count. So if you like fragrant, two-toned flowers, plant some Narcissus tazetta. Each stem gives rise to a dozen white and yellow flowers. This plant, which can be found around the Mediterranean and in China, is also one of the first to bloom in spring.

How to recognize Narcissus tazetta, the bouquet narcissus?

Narcissus tazetta is an herbaceous perennial that can reach 60 centimetres in height. Its upright stem bends under the weight of its flowers in spring.

The ovoid, brown bulb is about seven centimetres long and five centimetres wide.

Fragrant flowers bloom at the top of a green, hairless stem. Solitary in yellow Narcissus (Narcissus pseudonarcissus), they appear in clusters in Narcissus tazetta. Each inflorescence can bear up to 20 flowers. In the botanical variety, the six creamy-white, fused tepals surround an egg-yellow funnel. However, there are commercial varieties with lighter centers, such as Avalanche narcissus.

The bluish-green leaves grow at the base of the stem. The gutter-shaped limbs measure up to 30 centimetres long.

The fruit, an ovoid capsule, contains black seeds.

All parts of Narcissus tazetta, especially the bulb, are toxic to humans and animals. If ingested, the plant can cause nausea and vomiting.

Our maintenance tips

Narcissus tazetta can be grown outdoors or indoors.

Watering

As daylight hours and temperatures drop into spring, your plant needs special watering.

Allow the rootball to dry out to one centimeter between waterings. Water generously with non-calcareous water (rainwater, for example) at room temperature.

Drain off any excess water left in the dish or planter. It can rot the roots.

During the rest of the year, adjust the watering of your Narcissus tazetta.

Your Narcissus tazetta tolerates thirst better than excess water. Water only when the soil is three to five centimeters dry. Choose moderate rather than heavy watering, and always use non-calcareous water at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, drain off any stagnant water. It can rot the roots.

Repotting

Obtain a pierced pot or planter. Place a layer of clay balls on the bottom, followed by a layer of substrate. Choose a light, draining potting soil, such as horticultural potting soil or bulb soil.

Plant your bulb, tip up, three centimetres from the surface and cover with soil. To plant narcissus tazetta, space them at least fifteen centimetres apart.

Water lightly and place your pot in a bright spot.

Prune

Once the flowers have faded, cut the stem flush with the ground.

The bulb needs the foliage to replenish its reserves. Do not prune the leaves while they are green. When they are dry, dig up the bulb, clean it to remove the soil and remove the leaves.

Store your bulb in a dry place, away from frost and light.

Plantation

Dig a hole three times as high as the bulb and a little wider. You can place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your bulb vertically, at a depth of fifteen centimetres. The tip should point skywards and the base in contact with the soil. Cover your bulb completely with soil. When planting several narcissus tazetta side by side, space them at least fifteen centimetres apart.

Tamp and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Cutting

Cutting takes place in autumn.

Dig up bulbs after the leaves have wilted. If they have given rise to bulblets, separate them.

Pour a bed of clay balls or gravel into the bottom of a pierced pot or planter. Then place a layer of potting soil or garden soil. You can add sand to lighten your substrate.

Plant your bulbs about 15 cm deep. The tips should face upwards. Cover with potting soil. Tamp gently and water lightly.

If you plan to grow your Narcissus tazetta indoors, keep the pot away from light until the first shoots appear.

Wintering

During the wintering period, your plant's needs are different.

Keep your bulb away from light, in a cool, dry place, until planting. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't rot.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Slugs

Information

Family	Amaryllidaceae - Amaryllidaceae
Type	Narcissus - Narcissus
Species	Narcissus tazetta - Narcissus tazetta
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Deciduous
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Calcareous earth Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Bulb Flowery
Tags	Beginner Increvable Rustic Toxic
Origins	North Africa East Asia Southern Europe Western Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	9b
Leaf color
Flower colors