Narcissus ‘King Alfred’

Narcissus 'King Alfred' is a classic yellow trumpet daffodil and a hardy spring-flowering bulb. It typically produces one large, bright-yellow flower per stem.

Narcissus 'King Alfred' usually grows about 16–22 inches tall. Height can vary with bulb size, soil, moisture, and local spring conditions.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' is a perennial bulb that can return and flower for many years. It performs best when the bulbs are planted in well-drained soil and the foliage is allowed to mature after flowering.

Plant Narcissus 'King Alfred' in full sun to partial shade. Full sun generally produces the strongest flowering, while light afternoon shade is suitable in warmer climates.

Narcissus 'King Alfred' is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3–8. In colder areas, plant bulbs deeply and apply a light winter mulch after the ground cools.

Use moderately fertile, well-drained soil, preferably a loam enriched with organic matter. This daffodil tolerates clay, sand, chalk, and a range of soil pH, but consistently wet soil can cause bulb rot.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' can grow in clay soil if drainage is improved. Incorporate organic matter and avoid planting where water remains after rain.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' grows well in containers with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Protect containers from extreme winter temperature swings, especially in colder regions.

Water Narcissus 'King Alfred' when needed to keep the soil moderately and evenly moist during active growth. Reduce watering after the foliage naturally dies back, because dormant bulbs tolerate drier conditions.

Poor flowering is commonly caused by inadequate light, overcrowding, immature bulbs, excessive nitrogen, or foliage removed too early the previous year. If a mature clump declines, divide it after the leaves die back and replant the offsets.

Leaves normally turn yellow as Narcissus 'King Alfred' enters dormancy after flowering. Yellowing during active growth can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient stress, or disease.

Narcissus 'King Alfred' usually needs little fertilizer when planted in reasonably fertile soil. If feeding is necessary, use a balanced bulb fertilizer according to the label rather than high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer.

Narcissus 'King Alfred' is relatively resistant to deer and rabbits, but slugs, narcissus bulb fly, bulb scale mites, and nematodes may occasionally cause problems. Good drainage, healthy bulbs, and prompt removal of diseased material help reduce risk.

Potential problems include basal rot, leaf scorch, and narcissus viruses. Poor drainage increases the risk of bulb rot, so plant only firm bulbs in soil that drains freely.

Plant Narcissus 'King Alfred' bulbs in early to mid-fall, before the ground freezes. Fall planting allows roots to develop before winter and supports spring flowering.

Plant the bulbs with the pointed end up at roughly two to three times the bulb's height, usually about 3–6 inches deep for typical bulbs. Heavy soils may require slightly shallower planting, while sandy soils can allow greater depth.

Space Narcissus 'King Alfred' bulbs about 4–10 inches apart, with larger bulbs given more room. Wider spacing reduces the need for frequent division as clumps multiply.

Yes, late planting is usually possible if the soil remains workable, but flowering may be reduced or delayed the first spring. Plant the bulbs promptly, avoid waterlogged soil, and mulch lightly after the ground cools.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' can naturalize in open lawns, informal beds, and beneath deciduous trees. Choose a site with spring sunlight and do not mow until the foliage has yellowed and weakened naturally.

Propagate Narcissus 'King Alfred' by separating offsets after the foliage fades in summer. Replant healthy offsets promptly at the recommended depth; growing from seed is much slower and does not produce exact clones.

Divide Narcissus 'King Alfred' clumps just after the foliage dies back in early summer. Division is most useful when flowering declines or the bulbs become crowded.

Yes, remove the faded flower head or upper flower stem to prevent unnecessary seed production. Leave the green leaves intact so the bulb can replenish its energy for next year's flowers.

Cut back the foliage only after it has naturally yellowed and loosened, usually several weeks after flowering. Do not braid, tie, or remove green leaves early because this can reduce future flowering.

Yes, all parts of Narcissus 'King Alfred' are toxic if eaten, especially the bulb. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, so keep bulbs and plant material away from children and do not use them as edible garnishes.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' can harm dogs and cats if eaten, with the bulbs posing particular risk. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison service promptly if a pet chews or swallows any part of the plant.

Yes, the sap can irritate skin and may cause daffodil itch or dermatitis in sensitive people. Wear gloves when handling bulbs or cut stems and wash exposed skin afterward.

Narcissus 'King Alfred' usually blooms in early to mid-spring, commonly during March or April in much of the United States. The exact timing depends on climate, winter temperatures, and planting location.

The flowers are bright yellow, typically about 4 inches across, with pointed or slightly twisted petals and a prominent trumpet-shaped corona. Each stem generally carries one flower.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' is suitable for cut-flower use because its large trumpet blooms have strong visual impact. Place daffodil stems in a separate container first, since their sap can shorten the vase life of other flowers.

Yes, Narcissus 'King Alfred' is considered suitable for indoor forcing. Pot large, healthy bulbs in fall, provide the required cool rooting period, and move them gradually into a cool, bright indoor location.