Narcissus problem

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Daisy

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Narcissus problem
« on: March 04, 2013, 10:06:07 AM »
Perhaps I have been fortunate, but I have been planting narcissus bulbs all my life and have never had blind bulbs.
This year however, is the second spring for most of my narcissus here and most of them have come up blind.
I have one flower only on Avalanche and I found these insects on it.
Is this the cause of their blindness?



Is it worth leaving the bulbs in the hope that they will flower next year? Or should I dig them up and discard them?
Daisy :)
Amateur gardener, who has gardened in Surrey and Cornwall, England, but now has a tiny garden facing north west, near the coast in north east Crete. It is 300 meters above sea level. On a steep learning curve!!! Member of both MGS and RHS

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oron peri

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Re: Narcissus problem
« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2013, 11:20:07 AM »
Daisy,
In my experience, 'Avalanche' and 'Geranium' are both heavy feeders meaning they need extra nutrients available through their growing seoson in order to develop a future flower bud.
A good compost in autumn and at least once; fertilizer with high level of Phosphorus   by the end of the season will do the job.
Also they do much better in full sun and do not let them over croud, and most important do not cut the leaves, let them dry compleetly.
The bugs on your flower are not a problem really.
« Last Edit: March 04, 2013, 06:43:26 PM by oron peri »
Garden Designer, Bulb man, Botanical tours guide.
Living and gardening in Tivon, Lower Galilee region, North Israel.
Min temp 5c Max 42c, around 450mm rain.

pamela

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Re: Narcissus problem
« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2013, 03:59:05 PM »
Oron says narcissi need phosphorus.  Is this all narcissi in general?  What do you mean 'high' phosphorus.  Could we have some NPK numbers please (and any other micros necessary). Feeding nutrients is always a dilemma for me....... I use 15.15.15  most of the time but its probably not optimal in our clay soil.  
« Last Edit: March 16, 2013, 08:25:32 PM by pamela »
Jávea, Costa Blanca, Spain
Min temp 5c max temp 38c  Rainfall 550 mm 

"Who passes by sees the leaves;
 Who asks, sees the roots."
     - Charcoal Seller, Madagascar

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oron peri

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Re: Narcissus problem
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2013, 05:07:55 PM »
Pamela,
Sorry, i meant high in Phosporus [P],
Therefore 10-20-10, 15-30-15, 12-24-12 etc. which are used in order to encourage flowering.
Tomato fertilazers have similar combinations and can be used as well.
« Last Edit: March 04, 2013, 06:40:48 PM by oron peri »
Garden Designer, Bulb man, Botanical tours guide.
Living and gardening in Tivon, Lower Galilee region, North Israel.
Min temp 5c Max 42c, around 450mm rain.

pamela

  • Sr. Member
Re: Narcissus problem
« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2013, 07:52:50 AM »
Thats extremely helpful Oron....especially as we can always get something like Tomorite here.   
Jávea, Costa Blanca, Spain
Min temp 5c max temp 38c  Rainfall 550 mm 

"Who passes by sees the leaves;
 Who asks, sees the roots."
     - Charcoal Seller, Madagascar

Daisy

  • Sr. Member
Re: Narcissus problem
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2013, 06:45:21 AM »
Thanks Oron I will give them some high phosphorus feed.
Hopefully they will flower next year.
Daisy :)
Amateur gardener, who has gardened in Surrey and Cornwall, England, but now has a tiny garden facing north west, near the coast in north east Crete. It is 300 meters above sea level. On a steep learning curve!!! Member of both MGS and RHS