A daffodil is probably one of the easiest and least demanding of plants to grow. Normally, when a bulb is planted it will come up and flower, provided that an unbalanced fertilizer is not put on. Fertilizers containing an excess of nitrogen should be avoided, as should manure. However, the species do need more understanding and care and must be treated with the respect accorded to most plants in the garden. If they are happy they will become established and multiply.  

The varieties we offer vary from 3" to 18" in height. Only a few are species and are clearly marked as such. The remainder are hybrids, being crosses between small species and larger-flowered varieties and, as normally happens, the hybrids have more vigour and adaptability. The hybrid daffodils which we list will grow almost anywhere, but this only applies to a very few of the species, many of which are alpines and need treatment, especially drainage, suitable for these subjects. Species daffodils may be seen all over the high ground in Spain and Portugal, where N. asturiensis, bulbocodium, rupicola and triandrus are found growing through the melting snow like crocus in the Alps.

The jonquils, however, seem to like places where the soil is often heavy and where they get a thorough baking in summer. Few of the tazetta species are hardy in this country, and then only in unusually warm spots  however, their hybrids, the Poetaz (Div. 8), are much hardier and make excellent scented cut flowers.

The bulbocodiums grow almost all over the Iberian peninsula, in varying conditions from marshland to dry road verges. Early flowering varieties are best given protection of an alpine house. Late yellow varieties like moist soils that dry out in summer. Many of the triandrus family, all of which need good drainage, flower in partial shade, often on northern slopes. The larger hybrids are excellent for naturalising in grass.

Many people like to grow daffodils in the grass. However, it should be remembered for this form of naturalising that the bulbs should be planted 6" deep  in other words rather deeper than usual  and the grass should not be mown until after the leaves have died down. Many of the hybrids we list are suitable for this purpose, especially February Silver, Peeping Tom, February Gold, Beryl and the poeticus varieties . Also, of course, the wild daffodil of northern Europe, now called pseudo narcissus. Many of the smaller hybrids are better grown in the border and rock garden, where their daintiness can be appreciated to the full.