What's eating my king alfred daffodil?

King Alfred is a classic large trumpet daffodil that, like all narcissus, is toxic enough to deter deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Narcissus bulb fly is the most damaging pest, with larvae hollowing established bulbs. Narcissus eelworm causes characteristic leaf distortion. Slugs may nibble emerging tips in early spring wet spells.

A single maggot hollows the bulb; the plant fails to flower or produces only thin, grassy foliage Drape fine insect netting over the bed from flowering to foliage die-back; lift clumps every few years and discard soft or hollow bulbs

Leaves emerge distorted with pale yellow streaks and swellings; cross-section of bulb reveals brown concentric rings Dig up and destroy all affected plants and the surrounding 30 cm of soil; do not replant narcissus there for three or more years

Ragged bites on new shoots as they push through cold wet soil in late winter and early spring Apply iron phosphate pellets at first emergence; top-dress with grit to deter slug movement; water during the morning to reduce overnight moisture