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Daffodil Ice Follies

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Create a stunning spring spectacle with the Daffodil ‘Ice Follies’ (Narcissus) Grab Bag! This elegant large-cupped variety showcases pristine white petals complemented by a lemon-yellow cup that matures to a soft, creamy ivory, often retaining a subtle hint of pale yellow. Perfect for sunny or partially shaded spots with well-drained soil, these versatile daffodils thrive in cool to mild tropical climates. Whether planted in borders, beneath deciduous trees or displayed in pots and containers, they bring a fresh, luminous touch to your garden year after year. Easy to grow and effortlessly graceful, they’re the ideal choice for a serene and refined spring display!

SKU: TCDAFIFO015 Category: Tags: , ,

Description

Daffodil ‘Ice Follies’ (Narcissus)

Daffodil ‘Ice Follies,’ a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a spring-flowering, bulbous perennial native to Europe and North Africa. This large-cupped variety features pristine white petals that frame a lemon-yellow cup, which matures to a soft, creamy ivory hue with a hint of pale yellow. Supported by tall, sturdy stems and complemented by lush, strap-like green foliage, ‘Ice Follies’ is a timeless and reliable choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Uses and Versatility

Daffodil ‘Ice Follies’ is celebrated for its elegance, adaptability, and ability to thrive in many climates, returning year after year. Its blooms enhance borders, containers, and naturalised areas with a soft charm. Additionally, daffodils’ natural toxicity to rodents makes them excellent for protecting nearby plants.

Ideal Uses

  • Borders and Focal Points: Adds height, structure, and graceful charm to garden layouts.
  • Clumps and Naturalising: Forms serene, low-maintenance displays that thrive en masse and return every spring.
  • Pots and Containers: Perfect for patios and compact spaces, bringing understated beauty to small gardens.
  • Cut Flowers: Long stems and elegant white blooms make it ideal for refined floral arrangements.
  • Beneath Deciduous Trees: Naturalises beautifully, creating gentle spring displays in filtered sunlight.

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. They are best treated as annuals in areas with short, hot springs or insufficiently cold winters. 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

Botanical Name

Narcissus
Quantity in Pack

15 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Early to Mid Spring
Planting Time

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

30-50 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 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 40 cm pot comfortably fits 15 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. Bulbs can also be stored in a cool, well-ventilated, dry environment until planting season if summers are particularly hot or wet.
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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