Pest identification
What's eating my narcissus 'tahiti'?
Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris)
Signs: Soft, rotten bulbs that fail to emerge in spring; maggots found inside the bulb.
Control: Firm down soil after foliage dies to prevent flies laying eggs; remove and destroy affected bulbs. Cover beds with fine netting in late spring.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in emerging shoots and petals, with silvery slime trails nearby.
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging shoots; use copper barrier tape on containers; hand-pick at night.
Aphids
Signs: Clustered insects on flower stems causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew.
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds.
Keep narcissus 'tahiti' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Narcissus 'Tahiti' pests — FAQ
What is eating my narcissus 'tahiti'?
Narcissus 'Tahiti' is largely pest-resistant because its bulbs and foliage contain toxic alkaloids that deter most animals. The main threats are narcissus bulb fly larvae tunneling into bulbs, slugs nibbling emerging shoots, and aphids clustering on flower stems. Squirrels and mice may occasionally dig up bulbs in autumn.
How do I get rid of narcissus bulb fly (merodon equestris) on narcissus 'tahiti'?
Soft, rotten bulbs that fail to emerge in spring; maggots found inside the bulb. Firm down soil after foliage dies to prevent flies laying eggs; remove and destroy affected bulbs. Cover beds with fine netting in late spring.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on narcissus 'tahiti'?
Ragged holes in emerging shoots and petals, with silvery slime trails nearby. Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging shoots; use copper barrier tape on containers; hand-pick at night.
How do I get rid of aphids on narcissus 'tahiti'?
Clustered insects on flower stems causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew. Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds.