Narcissus 'Spellbinder'
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DAFFODIL
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Pronounced: nar-SIS-us
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
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Mature size: Height: 16-18inches (40-45 cm).
Flowering period: March-April.
Flowering attributes: Stem bears one flower with a yellow perianth and yellow corona. The corona slowly fades to white as the flower ages.
Leaf attributes: Long, strap-like, green leaves.
Growth habit: Clump-forming.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: After flowering, apply a low nitrogen/high potash fertilizer. At planting time, toss bone meal or high potash fertilizer into planting hole.
Propagation Methods: After the leaves dry up, lift bulbs and separate them to increase supply.
Pruning Methods: Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation so that its energy goes into the bulb, not seed production. Do not cut foliage off until it dies down. The foliage helps feed the bulb for next year's flowers so it is important that it stay on the plant until it turns brown. Naturalized in grass, the daffodil foliage needs to ripen for at least six weeks after flowering, before mowing.
Pests and Diseases: In poorly-drained soil, bulb rot may occur.
Rainy Side Notes
Introduced in 1944, Narcissus 'Spellbinder' is a beautiful trumpet daffodil.
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As with many daffodils, N. 'Spellbinder' is first-rate for forcing and wonderful as a cut flower. In the vase daffodils last four to six days. Preservatives do not prolong the flowers, so it is not necessary. They secrete a mucous from their stems that is unfavorable to other cut flowers. Daffodils can be used alone in the vase or hardened for 12-24 hours in fresh water by themselves, with at least one water change. Rinse stems before placing with other cut flowers.
In fall, plant bulbs four to six inches deep and three to six inches apart. The flowers face a southerly direction towards the sun, so you want to plant them where they will be seen with their flower faces towards the viewer.
Daffodils are harmful if eaten and the bulbs can be a skin irritant.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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