Yellow flowers Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Credit: F. Vassen

Yellow Narcissus flower

Credit: L. Kaffer

Yellow daffodils in bloom

Credit: Jukka

Yellow Narcissus Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Credit: J. Stegeman

Yellow daffodils in the garden

Credit: F. Vassen

Narcissus pseudonarcissus, the yellow narcissus

Known as yellow narcissus or wood daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus heralds the arrival of spring with its trumpet-shaped flowers. It grows wild in the undergrowth of Western Europe, from Great Britain to Switzerland, from the Netherlands to Portugal.

How to recognize the yellow narcissus, Narcissus pseudonarcissus?

Narcissus pseudonarcissus is a flowering perennial. When in flower, it measures up to 40 centimetres in height and 20 centimetres in spread.

The yellow narcissus blooms again from one year to the next, thanks to its ovoid bulb, nourished by fleshy roots.

The solitary flowers bloom at the top of a smooth green stem. The three pale yellow petals and sepals are fused together. They surround a bright yellow central tube. Fragrant flowering begins in the first days of spring and lasts for around three weeks.

At the base of the stem, the flat, fleshy , blue-green leaves form a tuft, as in narcissus poeticus. They usually grow in groups of two to five.

After blooming, the flower gives way to a dark-green capsule. This fruit contains black seeds which, when germinated, can give rise to new daffodils.

All parts of the yellow daffodil (stem, leaves, flowers and roots) are toxic to humans and animals. The bulb is the most dangerous organ. If ingested, the plant causes nausea and vomiting.

Our maintenance tips

You can leave bulbs in the ground all year round. However, they will bloom more beautifully if you remove them and give them a resting period in a dry, dark place.

Watering

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

To know if you need to water, touch the soil. Water only when the surface of the substrate is dry (two to three centimeters). Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.

To prevent the roots from suffocating, don't leave standing water in the saucer or planter.

During the rest of the year, adjust the watering frequency of your Narcissus pseudonarcissus.

Your Yellow Narcissus 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

Plant yellow Narcissus in a pierced pot or window box at least 20 centimetres deep. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Fill the pot with potting soil or garden soil. Plant your bulb at a depth of around fifteen centimetres. The tip should face upwards.

Cover the bulb completely with substrate. Tamp gently and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

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 yellow Narcissus 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.

When the leaves have wilted, dig them up. If you find bulblets, use them to propagate your plant.

Obtain a pierced pot or planter at least 20 centimetres deep. You can make a drainage layer, with clay balls or gravel. Then pour in a layer of potting soil or garden soil. You can add sand if your substrate seems too heavy.

Plant your bulbs at a depth of around fifteen centimetres, pointing upwards. Cover with potting compost or soil. Tamp gently and water lightly.

Wintering

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

Keep your bulb in a cool, dry, dark place until planting. Monitor it regularly to make sure it doesn't rot.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Slugs

Information

Family	Amaryllidaceae - Amaryllidaceae
Type	Narcissus - Narcissus
Species	Yellow Narcissus - Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Deciduous
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Bulb Flowery
Tags	Beginner Increvable Rustic Toxic
Origins	Southern Europe Western Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	7a
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color