A Detailed Guide to Narcissus Planting Methods and Propagation Techniques

I believe everyone has seen narcissus; for those of us who love plants and flowers, narcissus is certainly not unfamiliar. The general growing period of narcissus is autumn and winter, and it is usually in a dormant period in summer. During the growing period, it needs long-term ample sunlight. Now let me guide you through how to grow narcissus!



I. Three Growing Methods for Narcissus

1. (Soil culture method) That is, using the cultivation method for most moisture-loving flowers to grow narcissus. Generally, it is rarely used in home cultivation. Soil-cultured narcissus requires loose leaf mold soil. Before planting, peel off the dried outer scales of the narcissus bulb and scrape off the old roots for planting preparation. Add leaf mold soil to about 3 cm from the rim of the pot, shake the pot to make it compact, then place the narcissus bulb base in, add about 1 cm of soil on top, then water thoroughly, move the flowerpot to a cool place, and after 5 days, once the bulb has grown roots, move it to a sunny place for growing. When growing narcissus in soil, pay attention to the dryness and moisture of the soil, and it is an extreme treatment method: dry-wet alternation. That is, do not water if the soil is not dry; once you water, water until it leaks from the bottom of the pot. Watering is generally done in the morning and evening; watering during the day can easily damage root growth. For environmental requirements, detailed care methods, and precautions, please read on.

2. (Water culture method) That is, shallow-basin water immersion cultivation: this method is commonly used for growing narcissus at home. Before water-culturing narcissus, remove the dried brown outer scales of the narcissus bulb, as well as the root-protecting mud and the brown dead roots at the base (be careful not to touch the new roots). After washing the exterior, stand it upright in a shallow basin without drainage holes. Pour clean water into the basin, covering the bulb about 1 cm, then move it to a cool place, and after the bulb grows roots, place it in sunlight. When water-culturing narcissus, it is best to change the water every day. On one hand, this prevents water deterioration and contamination that can cause root rot; on the other hand, daily water changes make the roots grow whiter and more beautiful. The water changed in is best tap water that has been sunned in advance, as this can kill bacteria. Keep the water level so that it soaks a little less than half of the bulb; before the flowering period, change the water once every 2 to 3 days.



3. (Sand culture method): It is best to choose clean, washed fine sand, and the pot should also be a clay pot with good air permeability. Before planting, put the sand into the pot up to about 3 cm from the rim, place the narcissus bulb with old stems and leaves removed into the pot, add about 1 cm of sand to the flowerpot filled with fine sand, then bury the lower stem of the narcissus bulb about 1 cm into the sand, spread a small amount of pebbles on top, then water thoroughly and place it in a cool place. After 5 days, move it to a sunny place. When cultivating narcissus with the fine sand and pebble method, water it every day; if watering is not timely, it can easily cause water shortage that affects root growth. Of course, watering should also be done in the morning and evening as much as possible.



II. Growing Requirements for Narcissus

1. Suitable temperature. First, understand the growth habits of narcissus. Narcissus is a plant that prefers shade in the early stage and warmth in the later stage. Generally, 18-20 degrees is the most suitable temperature for narcissus growth, so to grow narcissus well, you must first understand its requirements for growing temperature.

2. Soil requirements. Generally, when growing narcissus, there are certain requirements for the soil. Usually, during cultivation, narcissus needs loose, fertile soil, and it is best to choose sandy soil with good water retention.

3. Appropriate light. Narcissus is generally a short-day plant. In general, giving about 6 hours of light per day is enough, so during cultivation, narcissus can be placed on a balcony for an appropriate amount of light. If the light time is insufficient, it will result in fewer narcissus flowers.

4. Sufficient water. Narcissus generally needs sufficient water during growth and development. During the growth and development period, sufficient water must be provided for narcissus. The growth and development period is the peak period of narcissus metabolism. Generally, in the mature period, metabolism usually slows down.

5. Sufficient nutrients. Flowers, like people, need sufficient nutrients during growth, so during the growth and flowering period of narcissus, applying a little phosphate fertilizer can make the narcissus bloom more beautifully. However, also note that phosphate fertilizer should not be applied in excess, otherwise it will affect the narcissus.



III. Precautions for Narcissus

(1) Cold protection: Although narcissus tolerates a certain degree of low temperature, it is also afraid of heavy frost and severe cold. When heavy frost occasionally appears, spray water to wash off the frost before sunrise to avoid harming the narcissus leaves. For weather below -2°C, cold protection measures should be taken. In warmer areas, windbreaks can be set up; in the Shanghai area, plastic film can be used for cold protection. Do not let narcissus suffer from cold.

(2) Prevent root rot: First, if the water is emptied at night, the roots will not dry out. If the fibrous roots turn yellow and soft, change the water frequently. Narcissus must keep the water clean; it is best to change the water once every 2-3 days to prevent root rot. Yellowed areas can be gently brushed with a soft toothbrush.

(3) Do not place ripe fruit next to narcissus plants: to prevent gases such as ethylene released by various fruits from accelerating flower withering and shortening the flowering period. Beware of iron utensils; water-cultured narcissus must not use iron utensils, and should use ceramic, glass, plastic, or similar containers, otherwise rust water will cause the cut parts of flower buds and fibrous roots to rot.

(4) Beware of saline-alkaline water: Narcissus is suitable for water culture using well water, rainwater, river water, or river water. If tap water is used, it should be stored in a basin or jar 2 to 3 days in advance to settle and clarify.

(5) Beware of high-temperature and low-temperature water: The growing temperature must not be too high or too low. 4°C to 25°C is suitable, among which 15°C to 18°C is best. Excessive temperature will cause leaves to grow leggy, flower color to become dull, and flower scapes to be short.

(6) Beware of dirt on leaf surfaces: During water culture, keep leaf surfaces clean, otherwise it will both affect appearance and weaken photosynthesis. Spray water on the plant every day to maintain the plant's internal water balance, and also make the leaves shiny and beautiful, which is beneficial to photosynthesis.

Narcissus Propagation Methods

1. Lateral bulb propagation

This is the most common and commonly used propagation method. The storage bulbs grow on both sides outside the bulb, connected to the mother bulb only at the base, and can easily detach from the mother body on their own. In autumn, separate them from the mother bulb and plant them separately; new bulbs will be produced the following year.

2. Lateral bud propagation

Lateral buds are buds wrapped inside the bulb. Only when bulb root carving is performed do they detach from the mother body together with the excavated broken scales. Pick out the white buds and sow them on the seedbed in autumn; new bulbs will be produced the following year.

3. Twin-scale propagation

(1) A single bulb contains many lateral buds, some clearly visible and some hidden. But the basic rule is one bud between two scales.

(2) Using a bulb base with two scales as propagation material is called twin-scale propagation.

(3) The method is to first place the bulb at a low temperature of 4-10°C for 4-8 weeks, then at room temperature cut the bulb base into small pieces so that each piece has two scales, and cut off the upper end of the scales, leaving 2 cm as propagation material. Then use a plastic bag containing vermiculite with 50% moisture or sand with 6% moisture, put the propagation material into the bag, seal the bag opening, and place it in a dark place at 20-28°C.

(4) After 2-3 months, small bulbs can grow, with a bulb formation rate of 80-90%. This is a new method developed in recent years. It can be carried out in all four seasons, but April to September is preferable.

After understanding the above knowledge, I believe you already have a more specific direction for growing narcissus. So hurry up and get started to make the narcissus around you more noble, beautiful, and charming!