Daffodil-Narcissus – Teste a Tete – 5 bulbs p-pack

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ is a compact, early-blooming dwarf daffodil with bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and perfect for garden beds, rockeries, pots, and borders.

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1. Best Growing Conditions

✅ Climate:

• Thrives in cool to mild winter regions of South Africa, including the Western Cape, Free State, and Highveld.

• Moderate heat tolerance but prefers cool winters and warm, dry summers.

• Does not require chilling, making it easier to grow than some other daffodils.

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining, loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter.

• pH level: 6.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic).

• Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water, leading to bulb rot.

✅ Sunlight Needs:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily).

• Does well in garden beds, borders, containers, and rock gardens.

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2. Planting ‘Tête-à-Tête’ Daffodils

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Autumn (March–May) for flowering in late winter to early spring (July–September).

• Can be forced indoors for earlier blooms.

✅ Preparing the Bulbs:

• No pre-chilling required.

• Soak bulbs in lukewarm water for 1–2 hours before planting to encourage strong roots.

✅ Planting Depth & Spacing:

• Depth: 10–12 cm deep.

• Spacing: 8–10 cm apart.

• Water thoroughly after planting.

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3. Watering & Care

✅ Watering Schedule:

• Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

• Water once or twice a week, adjusting for rainfall.

• Reduce watering once foliage begins to yellow after flowering.

✅ Fertilizing:

• At Planting: Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 3:1:5).

• During Growth: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks until flowering.

• Stop fertilizing after the flowers fade.

✅ Mulching:

• A thin layer of mulch (bark, compost, or straw) helps retain moisture and control weeds.

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4. Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

• Aphids & Thrips – Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

• Snails & Slugs – Use crushed eggshells or organic snail bait.

✅ Common Diseases:

• Narcissus Basal Rot – Prevent overwatering and ensure soil drains well.

• Botrytis (Grey Mold) – Improve airflow and remove affected leaves.

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5. Flowering & Deadheading

✅ Bloom Time:

• July–September, depending on planting time.

• Blooms last 2–3 weeks.

✅ Deadheading:

• Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to the bulb.

• Do not cut back leaves until they turn yellow (6–8 weeks).

✅ Indoor Forcing:

• Can be grown in pebble-filled water containers.

• Keep in cool, bright conditions for extended blooms.

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6. Post-Flowering & Bulb Storage

✅ After Flowering Care:

• Allow foliage to die back naturally before removing.

• Reduce watering after flowering.

✅ Lifting & Storing Bulbs (Optional):

• In warmer regions (KwaZulu-Natal, Lowveld, coastal areas), bulbs can be lifted and stored in a cool, dry place (10–15°C).

• In cooler areas, bulbs can remain in the ground and will rebloom the next season.

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7. Companion Planting & Crop Rotation

✅ Good Companion Plants:

• Tulips, hyacinths, anemones, muscari, and freesias for a colorful display.

• Lavender and rosemary help deter pests and attract pollinators.

✅ Crop Rotation:

• Rotate planting areas every 2–3 years to prevent soil depletion and disease.

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Conclusion

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ is a dwarf, early-flowering daffodil that thrives in South Africa’s mild winter climate. With full sun, well-draining soil, and proper care, it will reliably bloom every winter and spring, bringing bright yellow cheer to your garden! 🌼✨