Gardening spirits revive with the arrival of September. This is the time to prepare for next spring’s garden… and it would not be spring if we did not have the daffodils!
Narcissus is the scientific name of jonquils. The name “daffodil” is usually applied to varieties in which the trumpet is as large or larger than the petals (perianth). The term “narcissus’ ‘ is usually applied to varieties having small cups or crowns.
The jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla) usually bear their flowers in clusters and have rash-like foliage, but some new hybrids have only single flowers and ordinary foliage.
The beauty, value, and hardiness of narcissus have been established in our area for many years. To appreciate their fine qualities, you should see them around the old log cabins in the Ozarks where they have survived and bloomed for many seasons with little or no attention.
Narcissus
Narcissus are best planted in the fall as soon as the bulbs arrive from the growers. They will thrive in any well-drained soil. Prepare soil deeply, 12 inches or more. A couple of handfuls of bone meal per square yard mixed with the soil below the bulbs will be beneficial.
In spading, remove soil from the planting area to the desired depth for the bulbs. Then mix the bone meal with the soil in the bottom of the bed. Plant bulbs from six to eight inches deep.
Larger bulbs require greater depth. When planting in groups, say from six to 12 bulbs, spaced about eight inches apart. Small bulbs in the rock garden may be planted three to five inches apart.
Naturalizing Varieties of Bulbs
When naturalizing bulbs in woodland or meadow areas, plant them in natural-appearing drifts. This effect can be obtained if the bulbs are just broadcast ‘ and then planted where they have fallen. A soil auger is a good tool for making planting holes in sod areas.
To naturalize well, a variety must have certain qualities and since it is to be used in large numbers, its price is important. A good variety for naturalizing must be able to grow well in competition with other plants, especially grass, and have stiff stems to withstand wind and snow.
Reliable varieties are ‘February Gold,’ `Emperor, ‘Recurvus,’ and `Von Sion.’ A more expensive variety, adapted for naturalization, is ‘Beersheba.’ In fact, this variety is good wherever you plant itóborder, pot or woodland.
‘King Alfred,’ a large trumpet, deep-yellow variety, is usually considered the best one for forcing. It is the universal favorite for the cut flower trade. The small flowering ‘February Gold’ can be grown in pebbles. ‘Moonshine’ has been successfully grown at the Missouri Botanical Garden and is recommended as a good variety. It forces slowly.
Good Old Time Garden Varieties in Each Division
GIANT TRUMPET NARCISSUS (trumpet as long or longer than the perianth segments): ‘Aerolite, “King Alfred,’ `Beersheba,’ Diotima, “Golden Harvest,’ `Unsurpassable.’
INCOMPARABILIS TYPE (cup not less than one-third but less than equal to the length of the perianth segments): `Fortune,’ Dick Welland, “John Evelyn,’ ‘Helios,’ Francisca Drake.’
BARRI TYPE (cup less than one-third the length of the perianth segments): ‘Fire-tail,’ Lady Diana Manners.’ ‘Bath’s Flame.’
LEEDS’ TYPE (perianth white and cup white, cream or pale citron sometimes tinged with pink or apricot): ‘Mrs. R. 0. Backhouse, “Silver Star,’ Hera, “Daisy Schaffer.’
POETICUS TYPE: ‘Actea, “Albus Plenus Odoratus.’
TRIANDRUS HYBRID TYPE: ‘Silver Chimes,’ `Moonshine’ “Thalia.’
TAZETTA OR POET A Z HYBRID TYPE:
‘Cheerfulness,’ Glorious, “Laurens Koster.’
JONQUILLA HYBRID TYPE: ‘Golden Perfection,’ Lady Hillington,”Jonquilla Simplex,’ Odorus Campernelle.’
CYCLAMINEUS TYPE: ‘February Gold.’
DOUBLE VARIETIES: ‘Mary Copeland,’ Daphne, “Irene Copeland.’
Various types include N. triandrus and N. jonquilla.
Be sure to try the earliest miniature N. minimus, which blooms with the crocus.
44659 by Stanley R. Mclane