Narcissus Minnow

Narcissus 'Minnow' is a delightful small variety. It produces up to 5 tiny pale-yellow to cream flowers on each stem, with a small lemon-yellow trumpet. They are divinely scented, like all narcissus in the tazetta group. The bulbs easily naturalise in the garden. The flowers make beautiful potted displays for a patio or even a windowsill. 

Narcissus 'Minnow' belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. The Narcissus genus includes about 50 species found mainly in Western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. Narcissus 'Minnow' was obtained in England in 1962. It was awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. It carries the genes of N. tazetta, a robust plant native to the Mediterranean area that adapts to varied climates and conditions. 'Minnow' stands out with its compact habit and the colour of its small flowers. The plant produces a sturdy stem measuring 20cm (8in) tall in bloom. It is a mid-season flowering plant, starting from late March. Each stem carries 2 to 5 small, bi-coloured, highly fragrant flowers, less than 3cm (1in) in diameter. The linear foliage is deciduous and disappears in summer.

There are so many daffodil cultivars that one can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting tired. They all have in common the ability to naturalise easily, to offer an infinite range of yellow and white shades, and to often emit sweet fragrances. Grow them in large clumps in lawns or at the edge of flower beds (at least 20 bulbs) for an enhanced effect. Pair 'Minnow’ with squills, Anemone blanda, botanical tulips, hyacinths, forget-me-nots, and small grasses like stipa. A group of 'Minnow’ daffodils in a vase creates a sensational effect with a beautiful fragrance. This daffodil is also perfect in pots.

For bouquets, we advise against mixing narcissus with other flowers, especially tulips, as daffodil stems contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower species can be attenuated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.

Narcissus come back every year. Unlike perennial plants, they do not require an application of fertiliser before flowering. Only cut the leaves when they have turned yellow and apply fertiliser then. The bulb uses the foliage to replenish its reserves and prepare for next year's flowering.