Daffodils only bloom for a short time. But during this time, various diseases and pests can make things difficult for the early bloomer.
The daffodil is one of the first plants to bring color back to our garden after a dreary winter. It is easy to care for and actually quite durable. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a closer look every now and then to see whether the plants are still completely he althy. Because diseases and pests can severely affect the early bloomer.
In the following we would like to introduce you to some pests and diseases that occur particularly frequently.
This can bother the daffodils
» Onion Basal Rot:
You can recognize the onion basal rot on the leaves - if they turn yellow very early, the onions are usually the trigger. The cause of the common disease is a fungus.
The only remedy is a radical cure, because the fungus cannot be treated and eradicated. Dig up the entire plant and dispose of all parts with household waste. Infested daffodil plants are not allowed on the compost heap under any circumstances! The fungal spores spread quickly, survive even under unfavorable conditions and can continue to spread.
Do not plant more daffodils in the same spot for several years. Otherwise, the robust fungal spores can attack the new bulbs again. If onion basal rot is a common occurrence in your garden, you can use resistant varieties. Examples include Angel's Tears Daffodils and Poets Daffodils.
» Daffodil Flies:
The daffodil fly and two other rarer fly species are a threat to daffodils, tazette and daffodils. The flies lay their eggs in the surrounding soil. After the maggots hatch, they feed on the bulbs. The daffodil bulbs are eaten up completely until only an empty shell remains. But that's not all: the maggots hibernate in the shell until spring. From April and May, after the pupation phase, the daffodil flies swarm out and start laying eggs again. Again, the only thing that helps is to get the bulbs out of the ground and destroy them. An effective antidotedoes not exist.
» too much moisture:
Daffodil bulbs can also rot if exposed to too much moisture. This has nothing to do with the fungus mentioned. Make sure the soil is loose to prevent waterlogging. Drainage in the bottom of the pot and moderate watering are important for potted daffodils.
» too many daughter bulbs:
Another cause that is troubling your daffodil bulbs: Too many young bulbs have formed on the bulbs. Then the entire plant takes care of itself because the daughter bulbs rob the mother bulb of the nutrients. Dig up the rootstock and remove the scallions. In this way you can immediately multiply the daffodils.
» Snails:
Snails love onions - unfortunately daffodil bulbs are often affected. In warm, humid weather, the voracious animals spread particularly quickly. A snail barrier, for example, helps against infestation. You can find more helpful tips against snails here in the video:
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