Troubleshooting
Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' problems — and how to fix them
Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' (Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete') 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.
Exhausted forced bulbs
Bulbs forced in pots often flower poorly the next year. After indoor blooming, feed and plant them out in the garden to rebuild before expecting flowers again.
Blindness in crowded clumps
Congested clumps produce leaves but few flowers. Lift and divide every three to four years and let foliage die back fully each year.
Basal rot
A fungal rot from the bulb base spreads in warm, wet soil. Plant in well-drained sites or pots and discard any soft, discoloured bulbs at lifting.
Narcissus bulb fly
Grubs hollow out the bulb, leaving it to rot or stay blind. Firm soil over dying foliage and check for soft, lightweight bulbs when lifting.
Prevent narcissus 'tete-a-tete' problems before they start
Most narcissus 'tete-a-tete' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common daffodil problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' watering schedule
- Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' light requirements
- Best soil mix for narcissus 'tete-a-tete'
- Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' temperature & humidity
- Full narcissus 'tete-a-tete' care guide
Looking for narcissus 'tete-a-tete' in general rather than its problems? Read the full narcissus 'tete-a-tete' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' problems — FAQ
Why is my narcissus 'tete-a-tete' exhausted forced bulbs?
Bulbs forced in pots often flower poorly the next year. After indoor blooming, feed and plant them out in the garden to rebuild before expecting flowers again.
Why is my narcissus 'tete-a-tete' blindness in crowded clumps?
Congested clumps produce leaves but few flowers. Lift and divide every three to four years and let foliage die back fully each year.
Why is my narcissus 'tete-a-tete' basal rot?
A fungal rot from the bulb base spreads in warm, wet soil. Plant in well-drained sites or pots and discard any soft, discoloured bulbs at lifting.
Why is my narcissus 'tete-a-tete' narcissus bulb fly?
Grubs hollow out the bulb, leaving it to rot or stay blind. Firm soil over dying foliage and check for soft, lightweight bulbs when lifting.