Narcissus ‘Minnow’

Description

Narcissus ‘Minnow’ is a charming, miniature daffodil that produces soft yellow petals with slightly deeper cups in delightful clusters. Ideal for borders, rockeries, containers, or naturalising in grass, this variety adds a delicate touch of spring to any garden. Follow this complete planting and care guide to help your Narcissus ‘Minnow’ thrive season after season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Autumn: Plant Narcissus ‘Minnow’ bulbs in autumn, ideally between September and November. Planting at this time gives the bulbs enough time to establish roots before winter, setting them up for a healthy spring bloom.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Narcissus ‘Minnow’ performs best in full sun, although it will also tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot that receives at least 4–6 hours of light daily to encourage strong flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Narcissus ‘Minnow’. Bulbs are prone to rot in waterlogged soil, so incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Site: Loosen the soil and remove weeds and stones. Improve heavy or clay soils with grit or compost.
2. Depth and Spacing: Plant Narcissus ‘Minnow’ bulbs about 10cm deep and 8–10cm apart. This gives them enough space to naturalise and multiply over time.
3. Positioning: Place the bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards. Gently cover with soil and firm the surface to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering In: Water the area thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the bulbs and kickstart root development.

Watering Requirements

• During Growth: Narcissus ‘Minnow’ requires moderate moisture during its active growing season in spring. Water if conditions remain dry, but avoid saturating the soil.
• After Flowering: Once flowering finishes and foliage begins to yellow, reduce watering. Let the leaves die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year’s growth.

Feeding

• Spring Feeding: Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potash fertiliser as shoots appear in early spring to promote healthy blooms.
• Post-Bloom Boost: After flowering, a light feed can encourage strong bulb development for future seasons.

Aftercare and Maintenance

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to prevent energy being used on seed production. However, leave the foliage intact until it has fully died back.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch in autumn after planting and again in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds around Narcissus ‘Minnow’.
• Lifting and Dividing: Every few years, if flowering declines or the clumps become overcrowded, lift and divide the bulbs in late spring or summer after the foliage has died back.

Container Growing

Narcissus ‘Minnow’ is perfectly suited to pots and containers. Use free-draining compost, plant at the same depth and spacing as in the ground, and ensure pots have drainage holes. Move pots into a sheltered spot after flowering if needed.

Final Tips

Narcissus ‘Minnow’ is a hardy and low-maintenance bulb that brings cheerful early colour to gardens year after year. Its compact size and cluster-forming nature make it ideal for small spaces, rockeries, and container displays. With the right care and planting method, Narcissus ‘Minnow’ will return every spring with a bright and uplifting display. Whether you’re planting in borders or pots, Narcissus ‘Minnow’ is a must-have for any spring garden.