How to Grow Erlicheer Daffodil
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Erlicheer Daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. obvallaris 'Erlicheer'
flowerErlicheer is a double-flowered daffodil cultivar prized for its fragrant, fully double blooms with creamy-white petals and golden-yellow centers. This hybrid narcissus produces multiple flowers per stem and is excellent for spring gardens, containers, and cut flowers. It's a reliable, long-lived perennial bulb that naturalizes well in landscapes.
When should you plant Erlicheer Daffodil in your zone?
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Example Erlicheer Daffodil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Erlicheer 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 Erlicheer Daffodil blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Erlicheer Daffodil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best performance in zones 4-8
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Dormancy/Root Development
8-12 weeksBulbs are planted in fall and develop roots over winter while remaining dormant underground.
Plant in well-draining soil in October-November. Ensure good soil contact. Water lightly after planting. Bulbs require 12-16 weeks of cold temperatures (vernalization) to trigger flowering.
Emergence & Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksGreen shoots and narrow strap-like foliage emerge in early spring as soil warms.
Foliage typically appears February-March depending on climate. Water moderately if spring is dry. Remove any winter mulch as shoots emerge. Watch for slugs and snails.
Bud Formation & Pre-bloom
2-3 weeksFlower buds develop within the foliage, with visible buds appearing on the stem tips.
Ensure consistent moisture during this stage. Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer (avoid high nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers). Stake tall stems if needed to prevent wind damage.
Flowering
2-4 weeksMultiple fragrant, fully double flowers bloom per stem, displaying creamy petals with golden-yellow centers. Flowers persist for 2-3 weeks.
Enjoy cut flowers or display in garden. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation and preserve bulb energy, but allow stems and foliage to remain until fully yellow. Continue watering if rainfall is sparse.
Post-bloom & Senescence
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and foliage continues photosynthesis, gradually yellowing and drying back. Bulbs replenish reserves for next year.
Do NOT cut or tie back foliage until it turns completely yellow (usually 5-6 weeks after bloom). Continue moderate watering during this period. Stop watering once foliage is fully dry. After foliage dies back, allow soil to dry out completely through summer.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and discard infested bulbs. Use row covers in spring to prevent egg-laying. Maintain good garden hygiene; remove spent plant material promptly.
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Hand-pick; use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply nematode-based biological controls. Encourage ground beetles and toads.
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Ensure excellent soil drainage. Avoid planting in wet or compacted soils. Remove and destroy infected bulbs. Do not compost diseased material.
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Increase humidity; spray with water. Apply insecticidal soap if severe. Remove heavily infested foliage.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Uses
Ornamental & Floral Displays
CulinaryErlicheer is prized as a premium cut flower for spring arrangements and is a centerpiece of gardens and bouquets. Its double flowers and fragrance make it highly valued by florists and gardeners. [source]
Cut Flowers & Vase Arrangements
HouseholdThe fragrant, long-lasting double blooms are ideal for indoor arrangements, lasting 7-10 days when cut. Multiple flowers per stem provide full, abundant displays. [source]
Spring Garden Color & Naturalization
HouseholdErlicheer naturalizes well in lawns, under trees, and along woodland edges, providing reliable spring color year after year with minimal maintenance. Bulbs multiply gradually to create drifts. [source]
Early Season Pollinator Support
WildlifeEarly spring flowering provides nectar and pollen to awakening bees and other pollinators. The fragrant blooms attract beneficial insects when few other flowers are available. [source]
Ornamental & Traditional Uses
MedicinalWhile not typically consumed, narcissus has been studied for alkaloid compounds including galantamine, used in Alzheimer's research. The plant is ornamental; not for ingestion. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut stems in early morning when flowers first open for longest vase life. Include at least 6-8 inches of stem. Change water daily and remove lower foliage to prevent bacterial growth. Flowers typically last 7-10 days in a vase. For garden display, deadhead spent blooms but leave stems and foliage intact until fully yellow to allow bulb replenishment. Do not harvest foliage from naturalized plantings; let it die back naturally in place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Erlicheer was developed in Israel and is named after its breeder; it is one of the most fragrant daffodil cultivars and is highly prized by cut-flower producers worldwide.
- 🌱 Daffodils are naturally deer and rodent resistant due to toxic alkaloid compounds in the bulbs, making them reliable for gardens where other spring bulbs are browsed.
- 🌱 A single Erlicheer bulb can produce 3-6 fragrant double flowers per stem, making it exceptionally generous compared to single-flower daffodil varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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