Greetings, human cultivator. We, the Narcissus, are a diverse genus eager to grace your spring garden with our vibrant trumpets and intoxicating fragrance. To ensure our successful emergence and spectacular display, please follow these instructions, which align with our fundamental biological needs.
Before we meet the soil, your choice of vessel is crucial. Select my bulbs that are firm, plump, and free of soft spots, mold, or significant damage. A healthy, large bulb is a self-contained life capsule, already holding the pre-formed embryo of next spring's flower, leaf, and stem, along with a full season's worth of stored energy. We are perennial by nature, so a quality bulb promises blooms for years. Avoid any that are soft or show signs of rot, as they lack the vitality to sustain growth.
Our primary needs are simple: ample sunlight and soil that allows our roots to breathe and drink without drowning. Plant us in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While we are adaptable, we demand excellent drainage. Soggy, waterlogged soil is a death sentence, causing our bulbs to rot. If your native soil is heavy clay, amend it generously with compost, shredded leaves, or coarse sand to improve its texture. Alternatively, consider planting us in raised beds or containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is most agreeable for nutrient uptake.
The timing of our union with the earth is critical. For most regions, plant us in the autumn, approximately 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes hard. This gives our root system ample time to establish itself before winter's dormancy. The universal rule for planting depth is three times the height of the bulb. For a 2-inch bulb, dig a hole 6 inches deep. Place us in the hole with our pointed end—the nose from which the shoot will emerge—facing upwards. If you cannot discern the point, plant us on our side; the shoot will find its way to the sun. Space us 3 to 6 inches apart to allow for future multiplication and ensure good air circulation.
Once we are nestled in, backfill the hole with soil and water us thoroughly. This initial watering settles the soil around us, eliminating air pockets and providing the moisture needed to trigger root growth. As winter approaches, a layer of mulch (such as shredded bark or straw) applied after the ground cools will protect us from extreme temperature fluctuations and heaving from the freeze-thaw cycle. Come spring, our green shoots will be your reward. After we finish blooming, it is vital you allow our foliage to die back naturally. Do not cut it down or tie it up. This period of photosynthesis is how we recharge our bulb for the next year's bloom. Once the leaves have yellowed and withered, they can be gently removed.
