How to Grow Sundial Daffodil
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Sundial Daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus 'Sundial'
flowerSundial Daffodil is a charming spring-flowering bulb known for its distinctive trumpet-shaped corona and pale yellow petals that radiate outward like a sundial. This dwarf variety typically grows 8-12 inches tall and produces delicate, fragrant flowers ideal for borders, containers, and naturalized settings. It's a reliable perennial that returns year after year with proper care.
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Example Sundial Daffodil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sundial 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 Sundial Daffodil blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sundial Daffodil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cool-winter climates
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Dormancy
8-12 weeksBulb lies underground dormant, requiring cool winter temperatures to break dormancy and initiate flower development.
Plant bulbs in fall (September-November) and ensure adequate winter chilling period (8-12 weeks at temperatures below 45°F). No watering needed during dormancy.
Emergence & Growth
3-4 weeksGreen shoots emerge from soil as temperatures warm in early spring, developing narrow basal leaves and flower buds.
Ensure soil remains evenly moist as growth begins. Apply balanced fertilizer once shoots appear. Remove any fallen leaves or debris around plants.
Flowering
2-3 weeksPale yellow trumpet-shaped flowers open on upright stems, with radiating petals resembling a sundial pattern. Flowers are fragrant and long-lasting.
Deadhead spent flowers immediately but allow stems and leaves to remain for nutrient absorption. Stake tall varieties if needed. Enjoy fragrance indoors as cut flowers.
Post-Bloom
4-6 weeksFlowers fade, foliage continues photosynthesis to replenish bulb reserves for next season. Seed pods develop if flowers are not deadheaded.
Continue watering until foliage yellows naturally. Apply low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer (0-10-10) to strengthen bulbs. Do not remove leaves prematurely.
Dormancy Preparation
3-4 weeks until full dormancyFoliage completely yellows and dies back as bulb enters dormancy. Plant conserves energy underground.
Stop watering once foliage has completely died back. Cut dead foliage at soil level. Mulch lightly to protect bulbs from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested bulbs; dust soil with diatomaceous earth; avoid overwatering which attracts flies; plant bulbs deeper
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Handpick; use copper tape barriers; apply iron phosphate pellets; encourage natural predators like beetles
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected bulbs; disinfect tools; rotate planting locations yearly
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Spray with insecticidal soap; use water jets to dislodge; introduce ladybugs; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryAll parts of Sundial Daffodil are toxic and should never be eaten. The bulbs, leaves, stems, and flowers contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids that cause serious gastrointestinal distress. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdSundial Daffodils make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for spring bouquets and floral designs. Their cheerful pale yellow color and delicate fragrance brighten indoor spaces. [source]
Spring pollinator support
WildlifeEarly-blooming daffodils provide vital nectar and pollen for emerging bees and other pollinators in spring when few other food sources are available. [source]
Pressed flowers and dried arrangements
CraftThe delicate petals and trumpet corona of Sundial Daffodils are beautiful when pressed in books or used in dried flower crafts and herbarium projects. [source]
Traditional herbal preparation
MedicinalHistorically, daffodil bulbs were used in traditional medicine for their lysine-rich properties and anticancer compounds being studied in modern research, though internal use is not recommended due to toxicity risk. [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 flowers for indoor arrangements in early morning when fully open. Leave at least one-third of the stem and all foliage on the plant to support bulb regeneration. Flowers typically last 7-10 days in a vase; change water every 2-3 days and remove lower leaves. Allow foliage to naturally yellow and die back before removing to maximize next year's blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sundial Daffodils are the national flower of Wales and feature on the Welsh flag. The flower's trumpet shape and radiating petals inspired its 'sundial' nickname due to resemblance to classic garden sundials.
- 🌱 Daffodil bulbs are naturally deer and rodent-resistant due to their toxic alkaloid compounds, making them excellent for wildlife gardens and areas with heavy deer pressure.
- 🌱 A single daffodil bulb can produce multiple flowers over its lifetime, and established clumps can naturalize and spread indefinitely, creating stunning spring displays with minimal maintenance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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