Pest identification
What's eating my ice follies daffodil?
Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris)
Signs: Large larva destroys bulb interior; clumps show gaps with plants that fail to emerge or produce weak foliage
Control: Cover beds with fine mesh April–June; firm soil around dying foliage; lift and inspect bulbs every 3–4 years, discarding soft ones
Narcissus eelworm (Ditylenchus dipsaci)
Signs: Twisted, malformed leaves often with pale lumps; stunted flowering; brown rings inside bulb on inspection
Control: Immediately remove and destroy all affected plants and surrounding soil; observe a minimum three-year Narcissus-free rotation in that area
Slugs and snails
Signs: Emerging shoot tips chewed close to ground level, slowing early-season growth
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets as shoots break through; use horticultural grit mulch to deter movement; hand-pick on wet evenings
Keep ice follies daffodil pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ice Follies Daffodil pests — FAQ
What is eating my ice follies daffodil?
Ice Follies is a popular large-cupped daffodil cultivar that shares all narcissus toxicity traits, repelling deer and rabbits. Narcissus bulb fly is the main pest threat, with larvae hollowing bulbs underground. Narcissus eelworm can cause distorted foliage. Slugs occasionally damage emerging shoots. It is otherwise a robust, low-maintenance garden plant.
How do I get rid of narcissus bulb fly (merodon equestris) on ice follies daffodil?
Large larva destroys bulb interior; clumps show gaps with plants that fail to emerge or produce weak foliage Cover beds with fine mesh April–June; firm soil around dying foliage; lift and inspect bulbs every 3–4 years, discarding soft ones
How do I get rid of narcissus eelworm (ditylenchus dipsaci) on ice follies daffodil?
Twisted, malformed leaves often with pale lumps; stunted flowering; brown rings inside bulb on inspection Immediately remove and destroy all affected plants and surrounding soil; observe a minimum three-year Narcissus-free rotation in that area
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on ice follies daffodil?
Emerging shoot tips chewed close to ground level, slowing early-season growth Apply iron phosphate pellets as shoots break through; use horticultural grit mulch to deter movement; hand-pick on wet evenings