Troubleshooting
Tenby Daffodil problems — and how to fix them
Tenby Daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Narcissus fly (Merodon equestris)
The bulb fly lays eggs near the base; larvae tunnel into bulbs. Avoid disturbing foliage in late spring to deter egg-laying; inspect bulbs at lifting.
Narcissus basal rot (Fusarium)
Fungal rot enters through the basal plate, causing yellowing and collapse. Remove infected bulbs immediately and improve drainage.
Eelworm (stem nematode)
Causes distorted, speckled leaves and stunted growth. Affected clumps should be lifted and destroyed; there is no effective chemical control.
Failure to naturalise
In mown lawns, delay the first cut until foliage has completely died down (usually 6 weeks after flowering) to allow carbohydrate return to the bulb.
Prevent tenby daffodil problems before they start
Most tenby daffodil issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Tenby Daffodil problems — FAQ
Why is my tenby daffodil narcissus fly (merodon equestris)?
The bulb fly lays eggs near the base; larvae tunnel into bulbs. Avoid disturbing foliage in late spring to deter egg-laying; inspect bulbs at lifting.
Why is my tenby daffodil narcissus basal rot (fusarium)?
Fungal rot enters through the basal plate, causing yellowing and collapse. Remove infected bulbs immediately and improve drainage.
Why is my tenby daffodil eelworm (stem nematode)?
Causes distorted, speckled leaves and stunted growth. Affected clumps should be lifted and destroyed; there is no effective chemical control.
Why is my tenby daffodil failure to naturalise?
In mown lawns, delay the first cut until foliage has completely died down (usually 6 weeks after flowering) to allow carbohydrate return to the bulb.