Narcissus 'Tête à Tête'
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Tete a Tete
DWARF DAFFODIL
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Pronounced: nar-SIS-us
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones:: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 6 inches (15 cm).
Flowering period:
Late winter.
Flowering attributes:
Stem will bear up to three flowers. Deep golden-yellow perianth with a little darker cup.
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
Narcissus 'Tête à Tête' is so popular it ranks in fourth place for the most sold daffodil in the world! Growing this sweet little bulb in my garden, I understand why it is in demand. These daffodils are very early bloomers, so plant them where you can see them brighten up the late winter garden.
As with many daffodils, N. 'Tête à Tête' 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. Plant them where they will be seen with their flower faces towards the viewer. This cultivar naturalizes freely and comes back for years in the garden.
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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