The Narcissus revisited
THERE IS a Narcissus of Greek mythological fame, but the one written about here is a flowering bulb which adds bright colours and interest to gardens and landscapes. Ideal for many landscape designs — including in front of shrubbery, under large trees, and in rock or perennial gardens – the Narcissus requires very little care, and flowers reliably year after year.
The Narcissus is one of the best choices for both novice and accomplished gardener alike.
Like other bulbous plants, the Narcissus may be increased by two methods: Division and seed. Bulbs multiply underground naturally by division, which occurs as the “mother” bulb matures and creates a number of new “daughters.” According to Hans Neher, horticulturalist at the Number 1 Plant Shop on Sheriff Street, Campbellville, the establishment retails the Narcissus bulbs on order, but it is extremely important that bulbs obtained be handled with care at all times. “The bulbs are living plants, and should not be dropped or subjected to extremely high or low temperatures. After purchasing, keep the bulbs in well ventilated areas. If they are in paper bags, open the bag to allow maximum air movement. If possible, store them in open trays,” Neher advised. The horticulturalist says the gardener who does not intend to plant the bulbs within ninety days should keep them in a cool and dark place. Before planting the bulbs, however, they should be stored in the coolest part of a refrigerator for one to two weeks.
Neher says the soil in which Narcissus bulbs are planted must be well drained, yet able to retain sufficient moisture for growth of the bulbs. A good mixture would be one part loamy soil, one part peat, and one part sand. No fertilizer should be added to the soil.
With respect to containers, the gardener should use only clean pots with adequate drainage holes. When planting, the pot should be loosely filled with enough soil so the nose of the bulb would be level with the top of the pot. Place 3 to 4 Narcissus bulbs in a 6-inch diameter pot, and more in larger pots. The gardener should avoid pressing the bulbs into the soil, and when covering the bulbs, the gardener should fill the pot only to within quarter-inch of the top, so the plants can be more easily watered. Rooting will take place quickly in loose soil. In the early stages of growth, the plant should be cultivated in half shade, then in direct sunlight as it reaches the flowering stage. Narcissus plants will flower approximately ninety days after being successfully planted.