Description and characteristics of the Minnow daffodil variety, planting and care instructions

Bulbous plants are among the first to grace a home's garden. Narcissus is one of the first flowers to bloom: in some regions, its buds begin to open as early as March. Typically, a single flower crowns the stem. Minnow narcissus produces 3-8 buds per stalk. Below is information on the pros and cons of this plant, propagation, planting, and garden care.

History of the variety's appearance

Minnow was developed by European breeders. It belongs to the tazetta daffodils. Their distinctive feature is the formation of 2-8 buds on a single stem. Multifloral daffodils are grown primarily in regions with mild climates.

Characteristics of the Minnow daffodil

The bushes reach a height of 15-20 centimeters. The leaves are long, narrow, and green. Three to eight buds form on the peduncle. The flowers consist of creamy-white petals and a yellow crown. Their diameter is about 2.5 centimeters.

The buds open in early spring. During flowering, the bushes exude an intoxicating aroma. Narcissus botanica can be grown in flowerbeds or used for forcing to a specific date.

Pros and cons

The positive qualities of the Minnow narcissus include the following characteristics:

• early flowering;
• presence of aroma;
• frost resistance;
• ease of care;
• good immunity.

The negative aspects of this culture include the possibility of the flower stalk breaking during strong gusts of wind.

Planting and care

Minnow daffodils can grow for 3-5 years without repotting. Therefore, the planting site must be carefully selected. It's best to purchase planting material from a reputable flower shop.

Preparing the site and bulbs

The area is cleared of weeds, dug over, and leveled. Flowers thrive best in sandy or loamy soil. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral. If necessary, peat is added for loosening and humus for improving fertility. Pre-dried bulbs are placed in a potassium permanganate solution for half an hour. Disinfected planting material is less susceptible to fungal diseases.

Planting dates and patterns

Daffodils are planted in the fall. They need to take root before the onset of sustained frost. Choose a sunny or partially shaded site. Bulbs planted in the spring should be stratified for 2-2.5 months. Otherwise, flowering will not occur for another year.

Plants are planted as follows:

• dig holes at a distance of 15-20 centimeters;
• the depth of the hole is 10-20 centimeters (depending on the size of the bulb);
• sand is poured onto the bottom;
• plant the bulbs and water them moderately;
• covered with earth.

Sprinkle mulch of peat, straw, and sawdust on top.

Rules for watering and fertilizing plants

Daffodils require plenty of moisture. This is especially necessary during periods of active leaf growth, budding, and flowering. Daffodils should be watered generously after the buds have dried. During this period, the bulbs continue to develop actively. Fertilize the plants 3-4 times per season. Use mineral fertilizers that contain high levels of potassium and phosphorus. Nutrients are added after watering.

Loosening and mulching the soil

The soil between the bushes is carefully loosened. This procedure allows air to reach the plants' root systems. Weeds are removed during loosening. They deprive the daffodils of sunlight and nutrients, and can also introduce diseases and pests. To conserve moisture, the soil around the flowers is mulched. Peat, straw, grass clippings, and sawdust are all suitable.

Please note: Mulch will prevent a crust from forming on the soil surface and moisture from evaporating from deep within the soil.

Trimming

Only the flower stalk with dried buds is cut off. The leaves are left on, as they promote bulb development. When the leaf blades turn yellow and dry, they are removed from the area.

Preparing the flower for winter

Minnow daffodils are winter-hardy in mild climates, so they don't require any covering. Only if a harsh winter with little snow is expected should the flowerbed be generously mulched. Remove the covering material in early spring.

Prevention and treatment

If kept in poor conditions, daffodils can be susceptible to diseases and pests. To prevent this, preventative measures are necessary. Affected plants should be treated.

Diseases

To prevent fungal diseases, bulbs are disinfected with a potassium permanganate solution before planting. In early spring, the bushes can be treated with a fungicide as a preventative measure. The same substance is used when diseases appear.

Insects

The following pests can attack daffodils: spider mites, narcissus flies, and nematodes. Insecticides are used for prevention and treatment. Removing plant debris from the flowerbed will prevent many problems.

Breeding methods

Daffodils are propagated by dividing the bush, using pups. This process begins in the summer, after the foliage has dried. The bushes are dug up, and the small bulbs are separated. These are dried and stored in a basement. In the fall, they are planted in the ground. Large bulbs are replanted immediately. There's no need to clean or dry the planting material. Planted daffodils should be watered generously. They will bloom the following spring.

Using Narcissus Minnow in Landscape Design

The crop is planted in a small group on the plot. Bulbous plants such as tulips, hyacinth, and muscari can be planted nearby. Daffodils will look beautiful next to other primroses such as primroses and fritillaries. The bushes can be planted along a path, in a rock garden, or in a group in a flower arrangement.

Reviews of the variety

The Minnow daffodil consists of leaf blades and a stem with several flowers. Gardeners describe it as an easy-to-care-for, showy, and fragrant plant. Requiring little care, it's one of the first plants to grace a garden in early spring.

Karina, Abakan: "I bought minnow bulbs in November. I didn't have time to plant them right away, so I stored them in the bottom compartment of the refrigerator. I planted them in April, and by mid-May, three flower stalks with buds appeared. I cut the flower stalks and placed them in a vase of water. Their fragrance filled the entire room."

Svetlana Petrovna, Moscow Region: "The Minnow daffodil bushes didn't grow tall. The flowers were also the size of marigolds. But there were plenty of them on the stem. In the flowerbed, the plants stood out as a bright white and yellow spot. All the neighbors came to see this unusual plant. I'm delighted with the purchase."