Cyclamineus daffodil (Narcissus ‘February Gold’)

Narcissus 'February Gold' is a cyclamineus daffodil, a hardy spring-flowering bulb with bright yellow flowers and slightly reflexed petals. It is a perennial that can return for many years when planted in well-drained soil.

Narcissus 'February Gold' usually grows about 12 to 16 inches tall. Its narrow foliage forms a compact clump, making it suitable for borders, rock gardens, lawns, and containers.

Narcissus 'February Gold' blooms in very early spring, commonly from February through April depending on the local climate. In colder parts of the United States, flowering may occur later than its name suggests.

Yes, Narcissus 'February Gold' is generally easy to grow and low maintenance. The main requirements are autumn planting, adequate winter chilling, moderate moisture, and soil that drains freely.

Narcissus 'February Gold' grows best in full sun but also tolerates partial shade. More sunlight usually supports stronger flowering, while light shade can be useful in warmer climates or beneath deciduous trees.

Use well-drained, moderately fertile soil for Narcissus 'February Gold'. Improve heavy clay or poorly drained ground with organic matter and avoid sites where water remains around the bulbs.

Narcissus 'February Gold' is commonly grown in USDA Zones 4 through 8. Gardeners outside that range may still succeed if local winter temperatures and chilling conditions are suitable.

Yes, Narcissus 'February Gold' can grow beneath deciduous trees because it receives sunlight before the tree canopy fills out. Choose a location with good drainage and avoid dense, year-round shade.

Yes, Narcissus 'February Gold' performs well in containers and window boxes. Use a container with drainage holes, a well-drained potting mix, and provide winter protection in areas where the container may freeze solid.

Narcissus 'February Gold' is generally avoided by deer and rabbits. This resistance is not absolute, especially when other food is scarce, but daffodils are usually more dependable than many edible spring bulbs.

Water Narcissus 'February Gold' when the soil begins to dry, keeping it moderately and evenly moist during active growth. Reduce watering after the foliage dies back because dormant bulbs tolerate drier conditions.

Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer at planting or after flowering if the soil is poor. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications, which can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Yes, remove the faded flower head or upper flower stem of Narcissus 'February Gold' to limit seed production. Leave the leaves intact so the bulb can replenish its energy for the next season.

Poor flowering can result from insufficient sunlight, overcrowded bulbs, shallow planting, immature bulbs, or foliage removed too early the previous year. Poor drainage and inadequate winter chilling can also reduce blooming.

Yellowing leaves after flowering are usually a normal sign that Narcissus 'February Gold' is entering dormancy. Do not cut or braid the foliage until it has yellowed naturally and can be removed easily.

Deadhead the spent flowers, continue moderate watering while the leaves remain green, and allow the foliage to die back naturally. After dormancy begins, the bulbs can be left in the ground with little additional care.

Narcissus 'February Gold' has few serious problems when grown in well-drained soil. Excess moisture can cause bulb rot, while occasional pests include narcissus bulb fly, bulb mites, nematodes, slugs, and snails.

Plant Narcissus 'February Gold' bulbs in early to mid-fall, before the ground freezes. This gives the bulbs time to develop roots and receive the winter chilling needed for reliable spring flowering.

Plant Narcissus 'February Gold' bulbs about 4 to 6 inches deep, measured from the soil surface to the bulb’s base, adjusting for bulb size. A general rule is to plant at a depth about two to three times the bulb’s height.

Space Narcissus 'February Gold' bulbs about 4 to 6 inches apart for natural-looking clumps, or farther apart if you want to delay division. Planting several bulbs together creates a stronger early-season display.

Yes, Narcissus 'February Gold' can be naturalized in lawns or open grassy areas. Delay mowing until the foliage has yellowed and begun to die back, because early mowing can weaken the bulbs and reduce future flowering.

No, Narcissus 'February Gold' should not be planted in persistently wet or waterlogged soil. Poor drainage increases the risk of bulb rot, so choose raised ground or amend the site to improve drainage.

Plant Narcissus 'February Gold' in a pot with drainage holes and a loose, well-drained potting mix, placing the bulbs slightly less deeply for a seasonal display. After flowering, keep the foliage growing and transplant the bulbs into garden soil if the container is too small for long-term growth.

Yes, Narcissus 'February Gold' can naturalize and gradually form larger clumps when left undisturbed. Expansion occurs mainly through offsets produced by the bulbs rather than through identical seedlings.

Divide Narcissus 'February Gold' after the foliage has completely died back, usually in early summer. Lift the clump, separate healthy offsets from the parent bulb, and replant them promptly at the proper depth.

It can be grown from seed, but seedlings may not be identical to Narcissus 'February Gold' and usually take several years to flower. Dividing offsets is the preferred method for preserving the cultivar.

Do not cut back Narcissus 'February Gold' foliage while it is green. Leave it in place until it yellows naturally, because the leaves manufacture and store energy for next year’s flowers.

Yes, all parts of Narcissus 'February Gold', especially the bulbs, are toxic if eaten. Keep bulbs away from children and pets, and seek medical or veterinary advice promptly if ingestion occurs.

Yes, Narcissus 'February Gold' sap can irritate the skin and may cause dermatitis in sensitive people. Wear gloves when planting, dividing, or handling bulbs, and wash exposed skin afterward.

Yes, daffodil bulbs can be mistaken for edible bulbs such as onions. Store them in clearly labeled containers and never plant or store them together with vegetables intended for eating.

Narcissus 'February Gold' produces bright golden-yellow flowers with a prominent trumpet and slightly reflexed outer petals. The swept-back petal shape is characteristic of cyclamineus daffodils.

Narcissus 'February Gold' is grown primarily for its early golden flowers, but fragrance can be subtle or variable. Do not choose it solely for strong scent unless the individual bulbs are observed in bloom.

The flowers of Narcissus 'February Gold' typically last for several weeks, depending on temperature, wind, and moisture. Cool weather generally extends the display, while warm conditions shorten it.

The flowering date of Narcissus 'February Gold' depends on winter temperatures, local climate, and exposure. In colder regions or after a late winter, it may bloom in March or April rather than February.

Narcissus 'February Gold' normally flowers once per growing season. It may produce more flowers in later years as offsets mature, but a second bloom in the same season is not typical.