Miniature Daffodils are a wonderful addition to the garden, best known for varieties such as Tete a Tete with 2 – 3 flowers on each stem, and Jet Fire however a double form of the old favourite named ‘Tete Boucle’ is also available.
Daffodils are one of the best winter hardy bulbs and are well suites to growing in USDA zones 3-8. They do like a cold winter, so if you live in a zone with a warm winter you may need to ‘Chill’ your bulbs to get them to flower.
‘Tete Boucle’ features layers of petals buttery golden yellow, and this is an early to mid season flowering variety.
Hawera is an older variety, yellow flowers that hang down gracefully from the stems.
These little gems make a great display in a container, move them into position as soon as the come into flower and they will brighten up those cold late winter to spring days. They are reliable and will come back every year to provide colour.
You can grow them outside, or even inside in a sunny position, and these reliable little bulbs will multiply each season. So in 3 – 4 years you will need to lift them and divide them.
How to Grow Miniature Daffodils
The same as all Daffodil Varieties, use a good quality potting mix, or plant into the garden after digging over the soil.
- Plant the bulbs at 3 times its own height deep.
- Keep the soil moist however not wet and soggy.
- As the flowers fade it is best to deadhead daffodils so that the plant does not put energy into making seed.
- After flowering allow the foliage to die back naturally before pruning it away.
Miniature Daffodil Propagation
Propagation is by division as these are hybrids and will not come true from seed. The time to lift and divide is in Fall or Winter depending on your climate zone. Miniature daffodils will benefit from division every 4 – 5 years.
Why are my Miniature Daffodils not flowering?
Lack of flowers usually means lack of sun, they need 6 – 8 hours a day Also overcrowding, early removal foliage, lack of water after flowering, poor soil, lack of nutrients.
Care after Flowering
Remove spent flower heads to help improve bulb size, and give them a liquid fertiliser (high potassium) Water them.
Pruning Daffodils
Wait until th foliage dies back before removing it. The foliage provides nutrients to the bulb and next years flowers.