Double Narcissus

5 Bulbs

Double Narcissus is a beautiful group of daffodils with fully or partially doubled flowers, giving them a fuller, layered appearance. Depending on the variety, flowers may be white, yellow, cream, orange or combinations of these colors.

They are excellent for garden borders, containers and cut flowers. Narcissus generally prefer well-drained soil and are planted while dormant for cool-season growth. Double-flowered cultivars include varieties such as 'Double Itzim', 'Double Campernelle' and 'Delnashaugh'.

Important for the Gulf: Double Narcissus are cool-season bulbs. The Gulf's relatively warm winter can make flowering less reliable than in cooler climates, so fresh, healthy bulbs and the coolest available planting period are recommended.

🌱 Best Planting Time

For the Gulf region:

• Gulf area: October–January
• Kuwait: November–December
• Best period in Kuwait: November–December
• Avoid planting during the extreme summer heat.
• Plant dormant bulbs soon after purchase rather than keeping them stored for a long period.

🌿 How to Plant the Bulbs

1. Choose firm, healthy bulbs without soft areas, mold or rot.
2. Select a sunny or bright location with excellent drainage.
3. Loosen the soil before planting.
4. Place the bulb with the pointed growing tip facing upward.
5. Plant at approximately 1.5–2 times the bulb's own depth, according to specific Double Narcissus growing guidance.
6. As a practical guide, many larger Narcissus bulbs can be planted around 10–15 cm deep, depending on bulb size and soil.
7. Space bulbs approximately 10–15 cm apart, or at least about twice their width.
8. Cover with soil and water gently after planting if the soil is dry.

🪴 Growing in Containers

Containers are particularly useful in the Gulf because they make it easier to control soil drainage and protect the bulbs from excessive heat.

• Choose a deep pot with drainage holes.
• Use loose, well-draining potting soil.
• Mix potting soil with compost and perlite, pumice or coarse grit.
• Plant the bulbs approximately 1.5–2 times their depth.
• Avoid placing containers on extremely hot concrete or metal surfaces.
• Keep the container in the coolest bright location available during active growth.

🌡️ Sprouting and Early Growth

The bulbs first develop roots and then produce narrow leaves followed by flowering stems.

• Keep the soil lightly moist during active growth.
• Avoid waterlogging.
• Good airflow is important.
• Protect young growth from unusually high Gulf temperatures.
• Do not be concerned if the leaves appear before the flowers; this is normal.

☀️ Sunlight

Double Narcissus generally perform well in full sun or light partial shade.

For Gulf conditions:

• Provide strong morning sunlight.
• Give light afternoon protection when temperatures become high.
• Avoid locations that become extremely hot in the afternoon.
• Containers can be moved to a cooler, sheltered position when necessary.

💧 Watering

• Water lightly after planting if the soil is dry.
• During active growth, keep the soil evenly but moderately moist.
• Do not allow the bulbs to sit in water.
• Reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back.
• During dormancy, avoid keeping the soil continuously wet.

🌱 Soil

Use:

• Fertile, loose soil
• Excellent drainage
• Compost or well-rotted organic matter
• Perlite, pumice or coarse grit where additional drainage is needed

Narcissus tolerate a range of soils but perform best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

🌿 Fertilizing

• Add compost before planting.
• Apply a light balanced bulb fertilizer when growth begins if needed.
• A potassium-rich fertilizer can be useful during active growth, particularly for container-grown bulbs.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen because it can encourage foliage rather than strong flowers.

🌸 Flowering

Double Narcissus produce attractive, layered flowers that can look almost rose- or peony-like, depending on the cultivar.

Flower color and form vary considerably between varieties. Some have doubled petals, while others have a doubled or enlarged central corona.

🌿 After Flowering

• Remove faded flowers to prevent unnecessary seed production.
• Keep the green foliage intact.
• Allow the leaves to naturally turn yellow and die back.
• Do not cut green leaves immediately after flowering because they help replenish the bulb for the following season.
• Once the foliage has completely died back, reduce watering considerably.

🔥 Gulf Climate Tips

• Kuwait: November–December is a practical planting window.
• The coolest part of winter is usually the most favorable period for these cool-season bulbs.
• Containers are recommended where summer soil temperatures become extreme.
• Excellent drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot.
• Give morning sun and protect from intense afternoon heat.
• Do not overwater dormant bulbs.
• If flowering is weak in the first season, the warm Gulf winter may be a contributing factor.

🌱 Growing Tip: For Kuwait, plant Double Narcissus bulbs in November–December, around 1.5–2 times the bulb depth, with approximately 10–15 cm spacing. Use very well-drained soil and give the plants morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat.