How to Grow Ice Follies
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Ice Follies
Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'Ice Follies'
flowerIce Follies is a classic large-cupped daffodil cultivar prized for its large, showy white flowers with pale yellow trumpets that fade to white as they age. This spring-blooming bulb is reliable, long-lasting, and one of the most popular daffodil varieties for both garden borders and cut flowers. It grows 16-18 inches tall and produces multiple blooms per bulb in ideal conditions.
When should you plant Ice Follies in your zone?
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Example Ice Follies timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ice Follies
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 Ice Follies blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ice Follies dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Dormancy & Root Development
8-12 weeksBulbs planted in fall develop roots in cool soil over weeks; no visible above-ground growth until spring.
Plant in October-November. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot. Mulch lightly after ground freezes.
Emergence & Stem Growth
2-4 weeksGreen shoots emerge as soil warms in early spring; stems and leaves grow rapidly, reaching 12-16 inches.
No fertilizer needed yet if soil is amended. Remove mulch as growth begins. Water if spring is dry.
Bud Formation & Elongation
2-3 weeksFlower buds visible at stem tips; stems continue elongating to full height.
Support tall stems if in windy areas. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or bulb-specific formula.
Flowering
2-3 weeksLarge white flowers with pale yellow/cream trumpets open; blooms may be single or multiple per stem. Flowers last 10-14 days.
Deadhead spent blooms but leave stems and foliage intact. Provide support if stems bend. Cut for arrangements if desired.
Foliage & Senescence
6-8 weeksFlowers fade; foliage remains green and provides energy storage for next year's bulb. Leaves gradually yellow and decline.
Allow foliage to remain until it dies back naturally (6+ weeks after bloom). Do not cut or braid leaves. Reduce watering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect bulbs at planting; remove soft or damaged ones. Cover plantings during egg-laying period (spring). Avoid damaging bulbs when cultivating.
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Apply copper tape around beds or use beer traps. Remove debris where they hide.
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Ensure excellent drainage. Remove and discard affected bulbs. Treat planting area with fungicide if severe.
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy. Usually minor in daffodils.
Uses
Ornamental arrangement flower
CulinaryIce Follies is not edible but is one of the most prized daffodils for cut flower arrangements and spring bouquets due to its large, striking blooms and long vase life. [source]
Spring garden display
HouseholdPlanted in borders, beds, and containers, Ice Follies provides early spring color when little else blooms. It is excellent for naturalizing in lawns and woodland areas. [source]
Early season nectar source
WildlifeDaffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators when food sources are scarce. [source]
Deer and rodent resistant
HouseholdIce Follies is toxic to deer, rabbits, and rodents, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with wildlife pressure. The bulb toxins (alkaloids) deter most pests. [source]
Forcing and indoor blooming
CraftIce Follies bulbs can be chilled and forced indoors in winter for early spring blooms, making it a popular choice for indoor cultivation and gift bulb pots. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when buds show color but before fully opening. Cut stems just below the lowest leaves. Use a sharp knife to avoid crushing stems. Flowers will continue opening in a vase; they last 10-14 days in water. For naturalizing, deadhead only the spent flower heads, leaving stems to feed the bulb for next year.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ice Follies was introduced in 1948 and remains one of the most commercially popular daffodil cultivars worldwide, even after 75+ years.
- 🌱 The 'Ice Follies' name references the pale coloring—as the flowers age, the yellow trumpet fades to almost pure white, creating an 'icy' appearance.
- 🌱 A single bulb can produce 2-4 flower stems in ideal conditions, and established clumps may bloom prolifically year after year with minimal care.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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