The Double Campernelle Daffodil (Narcissus ‘Double Campernelle’) is an heirloom variety prized for its unique form and intense fragrance. This double-flowered daffodil features rich, deep yellow blooms with dozens of nested petals, resembling a miniature rose. Cultivated for over 400 years, this variety possesses historical significance and exceptional vigor. Its sweet scent makes it a standout choice for naturalizing in garden beds and using as a fragrant cut flower.
Site Selection and Bulb Planting
Plant bulbs in mid-autumn when the soil temperature cools, allowing root development before the ground freezes. ‘Double Campernelle’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. In warmer regions, afternoon shade prevents intense sun from fading the flower color.
Well-draining soil is required for all daffodil bulbs, as they rot quickly in wet conditions, especially during winter dormancy. Amend heavy clay soil with organic material like compost or sand to improve drainage. Bury the bulb at a depth approximately three times its height, typically 6 to 8 inches deep for a standard bulb.
Spacing bulbs correctly ensures a lush display and delays the need for division. Plant individual bulbs about 6 inches apart, or closer if you desire a dense clump effect. Place the bulb with the pointed end facing upward, then water gently to encourage root growth.
Active Growth Cycle Maintenance
When shoots emerge in late winter or early spring, the daffodil enters its active growth cycle and requires minimal but specific care. While generally drought-tolerant, they need consistent moisture until the foliage yellows after blooming. Supplemental watering is necessary only during prolonged spring dry spells.
Apply fertilization just as the green shoots push through the soil. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer low in nitrogen, such as a 10-10-10 or one formulated for bulbs. Excessive nitrogen promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Gently scratch the fertilizer into the soil surface around the plants, avoiding direct contact with the bulb.
Deadheading should be done promptly after flowers fade to conserve the plant’s energy. Pinch or snip the faded flower head and the swollen seed capsule behind it. Leave the flower stalk intact, as it continues to photosynthesize and contribute energy back to the bulb.
‘Double Campernelle’ is naturally resistant to most pests because its toxic bulbs and foliage deter deer and voles. Watch for the narcissus bulb fly, which lays eggs near the foliage; the resulting larvae consume the bulb. Prevention involves removing diseased or soft bulbs and maintaining healthy soil conditions.
Post-Flowering Management and Division
Proper foliage management after flowering is essential for ensuring blooms in subsequent years. The green leaves must be left completely alone until they naturally turn yellow and die back, typically six to eight weeks. This ripening process allows the foliage to absorb sunlight, converting energy into carbohydrates stored in the bulb for the next season.
Cutting or braiding leaves prematurely interrupts energy transfer, weakening the bulb and often preventing flowering the following spring. If the flopping foliage is unsightly, plant later-emerging perennials nearby to mask the dying leaves. Once the foliage is fully yellowed and dry, remove it at ground level.
Over time, daffodil bulbs multiply, forming dense clumps that lead to overcrowding and reduced flowering vigor. Division is needed every three to five years to maintain the plant’s health and robust blooming. The best time to lift and separate bulbs is in early summer, just after the foliage has died back and the bulb has entered dormancy.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the entire clump. Separate the individual bulbs and offsets, discarding any that are soft, damaged, or diseased. Healthy bulbs should be immediately replanted at the correct depth and spacing, or stored in a cool, dry, dark location until the fall planting window.