What's eating my cyclamen-flowered daffodil?

Narcissus cyclamineus and its hybrids are largely avoided by deer and rabbits due to toxic alkaloids. The small, reflexed-petalled flowers and early bloom time mean narcissus bulb fly is the primary pest threat. Slugs attack new growth in early spring. The species is otherwise relatively trouble-free in a well-drained garden or pot.

Maggot hollows the bulb; failure to emerge in spring or only thin, grass-like leaves produced Net from flowering until foliage dies back; lift bulbs and check for softness; dispose of infested bulbs in household waste, not compost

Chewed, ragged shoots particularly as bulbs push through cold, moist soil in late winter Apply iron phosphate pellets at first soil emergence; top-dress pots with sharp grit; hand-pick on mild evenings

Distorted, lumpy foliage with pale streaks; bulb cross-section shows brown concentric rings Destroy all affected material immediately; rest the planting area from all narcissus for a minimum of three years