Daffodil Ice King - Trenton Cottage
Daffodil Ice King - Trenton Cottage
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Daffodil Ice King

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Daffodil ‘Ice King’ (Narcissus) reigns supreme in the garden as one of the earliest bloomers among double daffodils. Its luxurious blooms feature layers of soft white petals cradling a ruffled, butter-yellow centre, creating a truly regal display. Complemented by lush, strap-like green foliage, this versatile variety thrives in cool to mild tropical climates and flourishes in sunny to partially shaded spots with well-drained soil. Perfect for borders, patio containers, and naturalising beneath deciduous trees, ‘Ice King’ also excels as a cut flower, bringing its opulent charm into your home. Easy to grow and reliably returning year after year, it’s a timeless addition that will fill your garden and home with elegance and beauty.

SKU: TCDAFIKI004 Category: Tags: , ,

Description

Daffodil ‘Ice King’ (Narcissus)

Daffodil ‘Ice King,’ a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a spring-flowering, bulbous perennial native to Europe and North Africa. This early to mid-season double variety showcases opulent blooms with layers of creamy white petals surrounding a ruffled, butter-yellow centre. Supported by sturdy stems and complemented by strap-like foliage, it thrives in well-draining soil and sunny to partially shaded locations, making it a versatile choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Uses and Versatility

‘Ice King’ is perfect for both formal and naturalistic garden designs, where its lush double blooms add elegance and texture. Its natural toxicity deters rodents, offering protection to nearby plants. This versatility makes it a standout for enhancing gardens and homes alike.

Ideal Uses

  • Borders and Focal Points: Adds structure, height, and luxurious beauty with its layered blooms.
  • Clumps and Naturalising: Forms reliable, low-maintenance displays that return year after year.
  • Pots and Containers: A stunning choice for patios and compact spaces.
  • Cut Flowers: Long stems and lavish double blooms are ideal for indoor arrangements.
  • Support for Blooms: Provide staking in windy or rainy conditions to protect heavy blooms.

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.
  • Support for Blooms: Heavy double blooms may bend in rain or wind. Plant in sheltered spots or provide stakes for support.

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

4 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

30-45 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. In cooler climates, provide full sun.
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 bulbs slightly deeper—three times their height—to shield them from excessive heat. Space each bulb 10–15 cm apart.

For potted daffodils, you can plant them slightly closer together while leaving enough space between each bulb. A 15 cm pot comfortably fits four 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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