Troubleshooting
Angel's Tears Daffodil problems — and how to fix them
Angel's Tears Daffodil (Narcissus triandrus) 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.
Bulb rot
The principal failure mode in poorly drained soils. Add grit generously; plant in raised beds or sloping ground.
Non-flowering (blind) bulbs
Typically from insufficient summer baking, shallow planting, or underfed bulbs. Feed after flowering and allow full leaf die-back.
Narcissus fly larvae
The large narcissus fly lays eggs at the base of foliage. Firm soil around dying leaves to discourage; destroy any soft, hollow bulbs found at lifting.
Stem nematode
Causes swollen, distorted stems and foliage. No chemical control available to home gardeners; remove and destroy affected plants.
Prevent angel's tears daffodil problems before they start
Most angel's tears daffodil issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Angel's Tears Daffodil problems — FAQ
Why is my angel's tears daffodil bulb rot?
The principal failure mode in poorly drained soils. Add grit generously; plant in raised beds or sloping ground.
Why is my angel's tears daffodil non-flowering (blind) bulbs?
Typically from insufficient summer baking, shallow planting, or underfed bulbs. Feed after flowering and allow full leaf die-back.
Why is my angel's tears daffodil narcissus fly larvae?
The large narcissus fly lays eggs at the base of foliage. Firm soil around dying leaves to discourage; destroy any soft, hollow bulbs found at lifting.
Why is my angel's tears daffodil stem nematode?
Causes swollen, distorted stems and foliage. No chemical control available to home gardeners; remove and destroy affected plants.