Daffodil (Narcissus) 'Grand Soleil d'Or'

Where to Plant:

This is a very old and famously fragrant Tazetta daffodil, producing vibrant clusters of rich yellow flowers with small, bright orange cups. It is a tender variety and is not reliably hardy in most of the UK. For outdoor growing, it must have the warmest, sunniest, and most sheltered position possible, such as at the base of a south-facing wall. It is an excellent variety for forcing indoors for winter scent. For most gardeners, growing it in pots that can be moved into a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory for the winter is the most reliable method.

How to Plant:

For growing outdoors, plant the bulbs in early autumn, about 15cm deep in very well-drained soil. For indoor growing, plant the bulbs in a pot in autumn, leaving their tips just showing above the compost, and water once. Keep the pot in a cool, dark place until shoots appear, then bring it into a warm, bright room to grow on.

Aftercare:

For outdoor-grown bulbs, a thick, dry winter mulch of bark or straw is essential for protection against frost. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally for at least six weeks. If grown in pots, you can plant them out in a sheltered spot after they have flowered, but their long-term survival may be limited. They are best treated as a temporary display, replanting fresh bulbs each autumn.