Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Narcissus leaves turning yellow prematurely, starting from tips or entire leaves yellowing before flowering is complete Common Causes:

• Overwatering causing bulb rot
• Nitrogen deficiency in soil
• Natural dormancy beginning (normal after flowering)
• Poor drainage conditions

Solutions:

• Reduce watering immediately if soil is soggy
• Apply balanced bulb fertilizer (5-10-10) when growth begins
• If post-bloom, allow foliage to die naturally for 6-8 weeks
• Improve drainage by adding perlite or sand to soil

Prevention: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil and water only when top inch is dry during active growth

Brown/Crispy Leaf Tips

Symptoms: Leaf tips turning brown and crispy, progressing down the leaf blade, overall stunted growth Common Causes:

• Fluoride or chlorine sensitivity from tap water
• Low humidity conditions
• Heat stress from radiators or heating vents
• Salt buildup in soil

Solutions:

• Switch to rainwater or let tap water sit 24 hours before use
• Increase humidity with pebble trays
• Move away from heat sources
• Flush soil monthly during growing season

Prevention: Use filtered water and maintain 40-60% humidity during active growth period

Drooping/Wilting Foliage

Symptoms: Leaves bending over, losing upright posture, appearing limp despite adequate moisture Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing weak growth
• Temperature too warm (above 65°F during growth)
• Pot-bound bulbs
• Natural end of growing season

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with 4-6 hours direct sun
• Keep in cool location (50-65°F) during active growth
• Divide and replant crowded bulbs in fall
• Support with stakes if needed during bloom

Prevention: Provide adequate light and cool temperatures during growth period

Flowering Problems

No Flowers/Blind Bulbs

Symptoms: Healthy foliage emerges but no flower stalks develop, bulbs produce only leaves Common Causes:

• Insufficient cold period (less than 12-16 weeks)
• Bulbs too small or immature
• Removing foliage too early previous year
• Planted too deep or too shallow

Solutions:

• Ensure 12-16 weeks at 35-45°F for proper vernalization
• Purchase larger, mature bulbs (12-14cm minimum)
• Allow foliage to yellow naturally after bloom
• Plant bulbs 2-3 times their height deep

Prevention: Choose quality bulbs and provide proper chilling period before forcing or planting

Short Flower Stems

Symptoms: Flowers bloom at soil level or on very short stems, hidden among foliage Common Causes:

• Insufficient cold treatment
• Temperature too warm during stem elongation
• Light levels too low
• Forcing too early in season

Solutions:

• Extend cold period to full 16 weeks
• Keep at 60-65°F during stem growth
• Provide bright light once shoots emerge
• Wait until January for indoor forcing

Prevention: Follow proper forcing schedule and maintain cool temperatures during growth

Flower Bud Blast

Symptoms: Flower buds turn brown and dry up before opening, papery appearance Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes
• Ethylene gas exposure
• Water stress during bud formation
• Calcium deficiency

Solutions:

• Maintain consistent 60-65°F temperatures
• Keep away from ripening fruit and gas appliances
• Water consistently during bud development
• Apply calcium supplement if needed

Prevention: Provide stable environment and consistent care during flowering period

Bulb & Root Problems

Bulb Rot

Symptoms: Soft, mushy bulbs with foul odor, dark brown or black discoloration, no growth Common Causes:

• Overwatering or poor drainage
• Fungal infection (Fusarium, Botrytis)
• Damaged bulbs during planting
• Storage in humid conditions

Solutions:

• Discard severely affected bulbs immediately
• Treat minor infections with fungicide dip
• Improve soil drainage drastically
• Allow soil to dry between waterings

Prevention: Plant only firm, healthy bulbs in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering

Narcissus Bulb Fly

Symptoms: Hollow bulbs, single large grub inside, no growth or weak growth, mushy center Common Causes:

• Adult flies laying eggs near bulbs
• Warm soil temperatures attracting flies
• Damaged or exposed bulbs

Solutions:

• Destroy infected bulbs completely
• Treat soil with beneficial nematodes
• Cover planted areas with fine mesh
• Plant deeper to discourage flies

Prevention: Maintain 2-3 inches of mulch and inspect bulbs before planting

Basal Rot

Symptoms: Bulb base becomes soft and brown, roots don't develop, foul smell present Common Causes:

• Fusarium fungus infection
• Warm soil temperatures
• Poor air circulation
• Contaminated planting material

Solutions:

• Remove and destroy affected bulbs
• Treat remaining bulbs with fungicide
• Improve soil drainage and aeration
• Avoid planting in same location for 3 years

Prevention: Buy certified disease-free bulbs and practice crop rotation

Pest Issues

Narcissus Eelworm

Symptoms: Distorted, twisted leaves with yellow streaks, stunted growth, bulbs feel soft Common Causes:

• Microscopic nematode infestation
• Contaminated bulbs or soil
• Spreading from infected plants

Solutions:

• Hot water treatment: 110°F for 3 hours
• Destroy severely infected bulbs
• Solarize soil in summer
• Plant resistant varieties

Prevention: Source bulbs from reputable suppliers and quarantine new additions

Slugs and Snails

Symptoms: Irregular holes in leaves and flowers, silvery slime trails, damaged emerging shoots Common Causes:

• Moist conditions attracting mollusks
• Organic mulch providing shelter
• Overwatering creating ideal habitat

Solutions:

• Hand-pick pests in evening
• Use copper barriers around plants
• Apply iron phosphate baits
• Encourage natural predators

Prevention: Reduce moisture levels and remove hiding places near plants

Environmental Stress

Frost Damage

Symptoms: Blackened, water-soaked appearance on leaves and flowers, wilting after cold exposure Common Causes:

• Late spring frosts
• Premature emergence
• Inadequate protection

Solutions:

• Cover with frost cloth when frost threatens
• Water soil before expected frost
• Remove damaged tissue to prevent disease
• Apply anti-transpirant spray

Prevention: Choose appropriate planting times and provide protection in frost-prone areas

Heat Stress

Symptoms: Premature yellowing, shortened bloom period, wilting despite adequate moisture Common Causes:

• Temperatures above 70°F during bloom
• South-facing hot locations
• Reflective heat from pavement

Solutions:

• Provide afternoon shade
• Increase watering frequency
• Mulch to cool soil
• Mist foliage in morning

Prevention: Plant in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade in warm climates

Quick Diagnosis Chart

Seasonal Care Calendar

Fall: Plant bulbs, ensure good drainage, apply pre-emergent fungicide Winter: Monitor for proper chilling, protect from extreme cold Spring: Watch for pests, support flowers, deadhead spent blooms Summer: Allow foliage to die back naturally, lift and store if needed

When to Seek Help

Contact your local extension office if you observe:

• Widespread bulb death
• Unusual viral symptoms (mosaic patterns)
• Persistent problems despite treatment
• Unknown pest identification needed

Remember: Most Narcissus problems can be prevented with proper planting depth, good drainage, and appropriate chilling periods. These cheerful bulbs are generally trouble-free when their basic needs are met!