Daffodil Congress - Trenton Cottage
Daffodil Congress - Trenton Cottage
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Daffodil Congress

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Bring a burst of brilliance to your garden with Daffodil ‘Congress’ (Narcissus), a tall and captivating split-cup variety that’s as bold as it is beautiful. Perfect for cool to mild tropical climates, this daffodil loves a touch of winter cool to prepare for its dazzling spring performance. In sunnier spots with well-draining soil, ‘Congress’ rewards you with vibrant yellow petals framing a ruffled orange-red cup, creating a show-stopping display. Its towering blooms add height and drama to borders, patio containers, and naturalised spaces, while its stunning form makes it a standout in cut flower arrangements. Whether lighting up your garden or brightening a vase indoors, Daffodil ‘Congress’ is a must-have for a truly unforgettable spring.

SKU: TCDAFCON005 Category: Tags: , ,

Description

Daffodil ‘Congress’ (Narcissus)

Daffodil ‘Congress,’ a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a striking spring-flowering, bulbous perennial native to Europe and North Africa. Blooming in mid to late spring, this split-cup variety features vibrant yellow petals and a bold, orange-red corona that is intricately ruffled and flares outward, creating a dramatic and elegant display. Renowned for its adaptability and naturalising ability, ‘Congress’ is a timeless choice for gardeners of all skill levels, adding vibrant colour and flair to any garden.

Uses and Versatility

Daffodil ‘Congress’ combines vibrant colour and unique texture with its distinctive split-cup blooms. Its golden-yellow and orange tones enhance formal and naturalistic garden settings, complementing other spring flowers beautifully. Additionally, its natural toxicity deters rodents, offering protection for nearby plants.

Ideal Uses:

  • Borders and Focal Points: Adds height and bold, eye-catching colour to garden designs.
  • Clumps and Naturalising: Creates stunning displays that multiply year after year.
  • Pots and Containers: Perfect for patios, balconies, and compact spaces.
  • Cut Flowers: Unique split-cup blooms with vibrant colours make it a standout in floral arrangements.
  • Beneath Deciduous Trees: Naturalises beautifully where spring sunlight filters through.

Climate Preferences

Daffodils can grow in cool to mild tropical climates but thrive in regions with cold winters and mild springs, which provide ideal conditions. In areas with short, hot springs or insufficiently cold winters, they are best treated as annuals. For mild tropical or tropical climates, pre-chilling bulbs before planting replicate the winter chill necessary for successful flowering.

When to Plant

Daffodils are best planted from March to May. This period allows bulbs to establish strong roots before winter, ensuring a vibrant spring display. Wait until the summer heat has passed and the soil has cooled for optimal growth. In warmer regions, plant in late April or May once soil temperatures have dropped.

How to Plant

  1. Site Selection: Choose full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
  2. Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart; miniature varieties should be planted 8-10 cm deep.
  3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil but avoid additional watering until foliage emerges.

Aftercare

  • Watering: Keep soil moderately moist during growth but allow it to dry during dormancy to prevent rot.
  • Fertilising: Use NPK 6:6:6 or azalea and camellia food when blooms fade but before foliage yellows, replenishing energy reserves for next season’s growth.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to the bulb.
  • Foliage: Let leaves die back naturally to recharge the bulb for the following season.
  • Mulching: Apply a 5 cm mulch layer to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Division and Maintenance

Daffodils multiply slowly, forming clumps over several years. Divide bulbs every 3-5 years or when flowering declines. After foliage has died back, lift and separate offsets, store bulbs in a cool, dry place, and replant in autumn. Regularly dividing daffodils ensures healthy growth and effective naturalisation.

Pests and Diseases

Daffodils are hardy but may encounter occasional issues:

  • Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and Narcissus bulb fly.
  • Diseases: Basal rot, grey mould, and viral infections, often linked to wet or humid conditions.

To minimise problems, plant in well-drained soil, ensure good air circulation and use organic pest control measures as needed.

Safety

Daffodils contain lycorine, a toxic compound found in all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs. Ingestion can cause stomach upset in humans and pets, and the sap may irritate the skin. Store bulbs securely and plant them out of reach of children and animals. Always wear gloves when handling bulbs to avoid irritation.

Caution: Harmful if eaten. A skin and eye irritant.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

B – Aqua Pack
Botanical Name

Narcissus
Quantity in Pack

5 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Mid to Late Spring
Planting Time

Plant from March onwards, once the summer heat has passed and the soil has cooled sufficiently.
Growing Height

30-60 cm
Planting Depth

Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, or roughly twice their height, and slightly deeper—three times their height—in warmer climates. Avoid shallow planting, as it encourages bulbs to split into offsets prematurely, delaying maturity.
Soil

Plant in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. Further improve drainage and prevent compaction by incorporating coarse sand, perlite, or horticultural grit. Adding peat moss or leaf mold will help improve soil texture and slightly acidify the soil.
How to Plant

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade, ensuring afternoon shade in warmer regions. Provide at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, as split-cup daffodils will not flourish if positioned in too much shade.
Once the soil is prepared, plant the bulbs 10-15 cm deep, with the pointed end facing up—approximately twice the height of the bulb to ensure proper root development and stability. In warmer climates, plant slightly deeper—three times their height—to protect the bulbs from excessive heat. Space bulbs 10-15 cm apart.

For potted daffodils, you can plant them slightly closer together while leaving enough space between each bulb. A 20 cm pot comfortably fits five bulbs, but ensure it is deep enough to accommodate the planting depth daffodils require. Plant them at the same depth as mentioned for garden beds. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and establish roots.

Optional but beneficial: Apply a moderate layer of mulch after planting to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, providing an optimal environment for growth.
Watering

After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil. In areas with very dry winters, apply occasional watering to encourage emergence and maintain bulb health. Otherwise, hold off on watering until signs of growth appear, as excessive moisture during dormancy can lead to rot. Once growth begins, maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent bulb rot. In regions with heavy rain, plant in raised beds or on slopes to ensure well-draining soil.

As the foliage starts to yellow, gradually reduce watering and cease completely once the foliage has fully died back. During dormancy, apply only light watering in warmer regions during prolonged dry spells to prevent the bulbs from desiccating. In cooler areas, natural rainfall is generally sufficient.
Fertilise

While daffodils aren’t heavy feeders, an annual feed is beneficial. For nutrient-poor soils, incorporate a balanced fertiliser when preparing the soil. If the soil has already been enriched with compost or well-rotted animal manure, this step can be skipped. However, it is recommended to apply a balanced fertiliser such as NPK 6:6:6 or azalea and camellia food after blooms fade but before foliage yellows. This encourages bloom production over excess foliage, replenishes energy stores, and supports healthy growth for the following year.

Important Note: Avoid over-fertilising, as this may lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced blooms. Always water the soil before applying liquid fertiliser or mix it according to packaging instructions to prevent root burn and ensure even nutrient distribution.
Pruning

Deadhead daffodils after flowering to redirect energy to the bulb. Allow foliage to die back naturally, trimming only once it has fully yellowed. Divide clumps every 3-5 years or when flowering decreases by lifting bulbs after foliage dies back, separating offsets, and replanting in well-prepared soil to maintain healthy growth and blooms.
Daffodils are frost-hardy and can tolerate freezing temperatures during their dormancy and early growth phases. For those in climates that don’t provide the necessary cold dormancy, treat daffodils as annuals, as they will not reliably flower again without the required winter chill.
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