Narcissus (Narcissus sp.), also known as Manousaki or Zambaki, is a perennial, bulbous plant. It is planted in autumn and blooms in late winter or mid-spring. Several bulbs are usually planted together to give an impressive effect. They have a strong aroma for this reason and are often placed in pots on our veranda table. The maximum height of the plant reaches 40 cm.
Leaves
Its leaves are long, lance-shaped and extend from the base of the plant in a bundle.
Terrain
It prefers soils of medium texture (sandy loam), rich in organic matter (compost), which do not retain high percentages of moisture.
Position
It is planted in flower beds or plant containers that receive direct sunlight and are protected from strong winds. It is a relatively resistant plant to low winter temperatures.
Watering
It has moderate water requirements, with the exception of the summer months when it needs plenty of water. The soil should not be dry, but not too wet either.
Durability
It is sensitive to spring frosts, because in that period the new vegetation develops and the various flower parts are formed.
Planting depth
The rule is that the planting depth is twice or three times the diameter of the bulb. In light, sandy soils the planting is done deeper in contrast to the clay soils that are done at a shallower depth.
Pruning
After the end of flowering, they are pruned low and the bulbs are removed from their place, to be planted again the following year. If we leave them in the soil the following year they will not bloom or will produce flowers of lesser decorative value.
Enemies and Diseases
The problem, as with almost all bulbous plants, is soil fungal infestations, which cause rotting of the bulb and destruction of the plant. These fungi attack the bulbs, during periods where there is intense soil moisture, due to the prevailing conditions or due to excessive watering.
Bulb
Available in yellow, white