HOW TO GROW FINE DAFFODILS 
Should | plant Daffodils the same way | 
plant Narcissus? You might as well—they 
are one and the same thing. The terms “’Nar- 
cissus’’ and ‘’Daffodil’’ are interchangeable; 
there exists a tendency to apply the name 
“‘Daffodil’’ to the varieties in which the trum- 
pet or crown is as large or larger than the pet- 
als; while the name ‘’Narcissus’’ is usually 
used for the varieties having small cups or 
crowns. Jonquils are also a type of Narcissus; 
they usually bear their flowers in clusters and 
have rush-like foliage. The name ‘’Narcissus’”’ 
is correct for any or all of the different types. 
The first and most important step in plant- 
ing Daffodils is to start with good healthy 
bulbs. ““Washington Grown’ Daffodils are 
now conceded to be the finest produced any- 
where in the world. This fact is now recog- 
nized by leading greenhouse operators and 
seedsmen. 
The excellency of these bulbs is due to a 
great many factors. Foremost among these is 
the most perfect climatic conditions for the 
growing and curing of hardy bulb stocks. The 
mild wet winters make for perfect growing 
conditions: The cool summers and proper at- 
mospheric conditions are ideal for the proper 
curing of the bulbs. 
Northwest grown Daffodils lead the world 
in freedom from disease. This fact has been 
established many times at Quarantine hearings 
held in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. De- 
partment of Agriculture. 
Daffodils will thrive in any well drained 
garden soil. Prepare the soil deeply, 12 inches 
or more is best. Plant at least 6 inches deep, 
extra large bulbs are better planted 7 or 8 
inches deep. (Some varieties make larger 
bulbs than others. ) 
Daffodils show off to best advantage when 
planted in clumps or drifts of six or more 
bulbs. The bulbs may be spaced four to six 
inches apart. 
Plant your bulbs as early in the fall as pos- 
sible; early September is the ideal time. Early 
planting is especially important in cold cli- 
mates; the bulbs must establish a good root 
growth before the ground freezes. A mulch 
of straw or leaves will be beneficial in very 
severe climates. If the mulch is applied after 
the first freeze, it will prevent thawing and 
heaving. 
No manure should come in contact with 
the bulbs. If the soil needs fertility, use bone 
meal at the rate of one-fifth pound to the 
square yard. This should be thoroughly mixed 
with the soil under the bulbs. A light applica- 
tion of any good commercial fertilizer may 
be used if bone meal is not available. 
Should Daffodils be watered? Well now, 
that is something we haven’t given much 
thought as Mother Nature gives us such an 
abundance of moisture during the fall, winter 
and spring here in the Northwest. A friend in 
Southern California tells us it may be neces- 
sary to water Daffodils in that area. Their fall 
rains usually begin in November—when the 
rains come, the Daffodils start root growth. 
If there is lack of moisture during mid-winter, 
the Daffodils should be watered as they must 
keep growing continually until they bloom. 
In cold climates it may be wise to water the 
Daffodils from planting time until the natural 
fall moisture can take care of them. Anything 
done to start the bulbs rooting early will be 
well worth the effort. Daffodils may be wa- 
tered in the spring after they have bloomed. 
The longer you can keep the foliage green— 
the better flowers you will have the following 
year. Do not water Daffodils during the sum- 
mer months while the bulbs are dormant. 
Flowers of Daffodils may safely be cut for 
indoor decoration. The early morning and late 
afternoon are the best times of day to gather 
Daffodils. The leaves of the plant should never 
be cut. 
Daffodils are best dug and separated every 
two or three years in the garden; when used 
for naturalizing in grass or wooded places they 
may be left undisturbed for years. Bulbs 
should be dug when the foliage turns yellow 
and lays flat on the ground, it need not be 
completely dry. After digging they may be 
planted any time until fall. If you do not have 
good storage facilities, replant the bulbs as 
soon as possible after digging. Never dig in 
the fall; to do so may cause them to skip one 
year’s bloom; should they bloom, flowers will 
be few and small. 
