Pest identification
What's eating my poet's narcissus?
Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris)
Signs: Bulbs hollowed by a single fat larva; plant produces thin grassy shoots or nothing at all
Control: Net plants in spring during adult fly season (April–June); remove and bin soft or hollow bulbs at lifting; avoid disturbing soil near foliage
Narcissus eelworm (Ditylenchus dipsaci)
Signs: Stunted, puckered leaves with pale yellow streaks; brown concentric rings inside bulb
Control: Destroy infested plants and surrounding soil; enforce a three-year Narcissus rotation; source bulbs from reputable, eelworm-free suppliers
Slugs and snails
Signs: Chewed, slimy damage to soft new shoots emerging in late winter and early spring
Control: Use iron phosphate slug pellets; remove debris where slugs shelter; water in the morning so soil surface dries by evening
Keep poet's narcissus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Poet's Narcissus pests — FAQ
What is eating my poet's narcissus?
Poet's Narcissus shares the alkaloid defenses of all daffodils, making it unpalatable to deer and rabbits. Narcissus bulb fly is the primary enemy, with large larvae destroying bulbs from within. Slugs can damage new shoots, and narcissus eelworm causes twisted foliage. Good drainage and clean planting stock prevent most issues.
How do I get rid of narcissus bulb fly (merodon equestris) on poet's narcissus?
Bulbs hollowed by a single fat larva; plant produces thin grassy shoots or nothing at all Net plants in spring during adult fly season (April–June); remove and bin soft or hollow bulbs at lifting; avoid disturbing soil near foliage
How do I get rid of narcissus eelworm (ditylenchus dipsaci) on poet's narcissus?
Stunted, puckered leaves with pale yellow streaks; brown concentric rings inside bulb Destroy infested plants and surrounding soil; enforce a three-year Narcissus rotation; source bulbs from reputable, eelworm-free suppliers
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on poet's narcissus?
Chewed, slimy damage to soft new shoots emerging in late winter and early spring Use iron phosphate slug pellets; remove debris where slugs shelter; water in the morning so soil surface dries by evening