Troubleshooting
Narcissus 'Pipit' problems — and how to fix them
Narcissus 'Pipit' (Narcissus 'Pipit') 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.
Poor flowering in cold, wet sites
Jonquils need sun and warmth; in cold, shady or wet positions they flower sparsely. Plant in the sunniest, best-drained spot in the garden.
Basal rot
A fungal rot from the bulb base spreads in warm, waterlogged soil. Plant in free-draining ground and discard any soft or mouldy bulbs before replanting.
Blindness from crowding
Congested clumps make leaves but few flowers. Lift and divide every few years and let foliage die back fully to recharge the bulbs.
Narcissus bulb fly
Larvae hollow the bulb, causing rot or blindness. Firm soil over the neck as foliage dies and reject soft, lightweight bulbs at lifting.
Prevent narcissus 'pipit' problems before they start
Most narcissus 'pipit' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for narcissus 'pipit' in general rather than its problems? Read the full narcissus 'pipit' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Narcissus 'Pipit' problems — FAQ
Why is my narcissus 'pipit' poor flowering in cold, wet sites?
Jonquils need sun and warmth; in cold, shady or wet positions they flower sparsely. Plant in the sunniest, best-drained spot in the garden.
Why is my narcissus 'pipit' basal rot?
A fungal rot from the bulb base spreads in warm, waterlogged soil. Plant in free-draining ground and discard any soft or mouldy bulbs before replanting.
Why is my narcissus 'pipit' blindness from crowding?
Congested clumps make leaves but few flowers. Lift and divide every few years and let foliage die back fully to recharge the bulbs.
Why is my narcissus 'pipit' narcissus bulb fly?
Larvae hollow the bulb, causing rot or blindness. Firm soil over the neck as foliage dies and reject soft, lightweight bulbs at lifting.