Miniature Daffodils are a fantastic addition to the front of the border, in clumps, or grown in pots. They are available for sale by mail order from most bulb nurseries. They are great for rock gardens and can also be easily grown in containers.
In the garden they can fill a small position in a sunny border or can indeed be planted en masse to create a low carpet of flowers in spring. One of the most popular of all of the miniatures is Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’, pictured right, it will get to around 15cm in height.
Miniature daffodils have been bred to emphasis the special characteristics of the smaller growing species and they do include the species themselves, so take a look at these tiny treasures.
For us the miniature daffodils appear early, even mid winter, so this makes then a wonderful addition to the garden when a little colour is needed. They seem to last longer than others and we have let them naturalise beneath a few deciduous trees as well as in the border. And of course they are excellent in pots as well.
Miniature Daffodil Varieties
As for variety, the well known Tete a Tete with its classic nodding heads and Rip van winkle with its double flowers are both excellent. The Bulbocodium types including Bulbocodium conspicuus and the lovely white flowering ‘Nylon’ are others we like.
Narcissus obesus and Narcissus cantabricus along with Narcissus cyclamineus hybrids are also worth a place in the garden.
Miniature daffodils come in a range of varieties and can also look great in pots.
How to grow Miniature Daffodils
Care of miniature daffodils is the same as for all daffodils. In fact its even easier, we leave the small bulbs in pots for 2-3 years before repotting.
- 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.
- After flowering allow the foliage to die back naturally before pruning it away.
Once flowering has finished we put the pots in a cool shady spot until the next autumn. Some liquid fertilizer early in the season seems to do wonders.
Miniature Daffodils are available for sale from the following nurseries
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au