How to Grow Elwesii Daffodil
Wikimedia Commons
Elwesii Daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. obvallaris 'Elwesii'
flowerElwesii is a large-cupped daffodil variety known for its impressive golden-yellow flowers with a trumpet-like corona. It blooms in early to mid-spring and is a reliable naturalizer that returns year after year. This classic heirloom variety is prized for its robust growth and striking appearance in gardens and cut flower arrangements.
When should you plant Elwesii Daffodil in your zone?
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Example Elwesii Daffodil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Elwesii Daffodil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Elwesii Daffodil blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Elwesii Daffodil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best performance in zones 4-7 with adequate winter chill
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Dormancy/Planting
Variable based on planting date; through winterBulbs are dormant and planted in fall. Root development begins in cool soil.
Plant bulbs in autumn (September-November) before ground freezes. Ensure bulbs are firm and disease-free. Store in cool, dry location until planting.
Root & Shoot Development
6-12 weeksUnderground root system develops; shoots begin to emerge as soil warms in late winter/early spring.
Maintain consistent moisture. No fertilizer needed yet. Shoots will emerge 4-12 weeks after planting depending on temperature.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksLeafy foliage emerges and expands; flower bud forms within the bulb and pushes upward.
Apply balanced bulb fertilizer (10-10-10) when shoots appear. Keep area weed-free. Provide consistent moisture. Watch for pest activity.
Flowering
2-3 weeks peak bloomBuds elongate rapidly; large golden-yellow trumpet flowers open fully. Blooms are long-lasting, typically 10-14 days per flower.
Enjoy cut flowers or leave on plant. Avoid heavy rain or strong wind that may damage blooms. Deadhead spent flowers once they fade, leaving stems and foliage.
Post-Bloom & Senescence
6-8 weeksFlowers fade and drop; foliage continues to photosynthesize and replenish bulb reserves. Leaves yellow and decline.
Cut off flower stems but allow foliage to remain until completely yellow (typically 6 weeks post-bloom). Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer. Reduce watering gradually as foliage dies back.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect bulbs before planting; remove any showing soft spots or holes. Ensure soil drains well. Remove decaying foliage promptly. No pesticide needed with good cultural practices.
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Remove by hand, use beer traps, apply copper tape around planters, or use nematode-based biological controls.
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Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage, avoiding waterlogged conditions, and removing any affected bulbs immediately to prevent spread.
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Very rare; prevent by purchasing certified disease-free bulbs and practicing good sanitation.
Uses
NOT edible
CulinaryDaffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids and are toxic if ingested. Never consume any part of the plant. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdElwesii daffodils are excellent cut flowers with long vase life and impressive golden blooms. They are often used in spring bouquets and arrangements. [source]
Early spring nectar for pollinators
WildlifeDaffodils provide vital early-season nectar and pollen for emerging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in spring. [source]
Garden naturalization and landscape design
CraftElwesii is a vigorous naturalizer that spreads and returns reliably year after year, perfect for creating drifts of color in gardens, woodlands, and meadows. [source]
Traditional herbal research
MedicinalWhile toxic for consumption, daffodil compounds (especially galantamine from related Narcissus species) have been studied in pharmaceutical research for neurological applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Daffodils are primarily ornamental. For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when buds show color but before fully opening. Cut stems at soil level and place immediately in cool water. They last 7-14 days in a vase. Allow foliage to remain on living plants for 4-6 weeks post-bloom to fuel next year's blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Elwesii is one of the oldest daffodil varieties still widely grown, dating back to at least the 1880s and named after English plantsman Henry John Elwes.
- 🌱 Daffodils are one of the few spring bulbs that animals and pests avoid eating because of their toxic alkaloid content, making them reliable in gardens where deer and rodents are problematic.
- 🌱 A single Elwesii bulb can multiply over time, creating larger clumps and even splitting into multiple blooms per stem in mature plants, providing decades of reliable springtime color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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