The ‘Fire Drill’ daffodil, a vibrant and popular variety, brings a burst of color to spring gardens. This eye-catching bloom offers unique visual appeal. Understanding its characteristics and care helps gardeners cultivate this flower for a stunning display year after year. This guide provides information for planting, growing, and maintaining ‘Fire Drill’ daffodils.
Distinctive Features of Fire Drill Daffodils
The ‘Fire Drill’ daffodil (Narcissus split-corona ‘Fire Drill’) has a unique flower form and striking coloration. It features frosty white outer petals and a vibrant, split cup, also known as a corona. The corona is typically bright pink, orange-pink, or salmon-pink, forming a ruffled rosette in the center.
Each flower measures approximately 6 inches (10-15 cm) wide, creating a substantial visual impact. They are fragrant, and their sunproof colors maintain vibrancy throughout the blooming season. Blooming in mid to late spring, ‘Fire Drill’ extends the daffodil season, providing energetic color when many other varieties may have already faded. Plants reach a height of 16 to 18 inches (40-45 cm).
Planting Fire Drill Daffodils
Plant ‘Fire Drill’ daffodils in the fall. They thrive in full sun to partial shade during spring. Well-drained soil is important, though they tolerate various soil types including acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy conditions. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to improve drainage and root development. If soil is heavy clay, incorporate organic matter like peat moss or compost to enhance drainage.
Plant bulbs pointed end up, at a depth two to three times their height. This means planting around 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Space bulbs 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) apart for future growth and naturalization. After planting, cover with soil and water thoroughly to settle the earth and eliminate air pockets.
Ongoing Care for Fire Drill Daffodils
Once planted, ‘Fire Drill’ daffodils require care for vigorous growth and abundant blooms. During dry spells, provide average watering, taking care not to overwater, as wet soil can harm the bulbs. Fertilize once per year for healthy development. At planting, a bulb food or bone meal worked into the soil below the bulb provides a strong start. For established plants, apply a liquid fish emulsion or balanced granular fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge.
After flowers fade, deadhead spent blooms to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Allow the foliage to remain until it naturally yellows and dies back, which typically occurs about six weeks after flowering. This period allows the leaves to photosynthesize and replenish the energy stored in the bulb for the following year’s blooms. Daffodils are resistant to common garden pests like deer and rodents due to natural compounds.
Common Questions and Tips
‘Fire Drill’ daffodils are deer-resistant. Like most daffodils, ‘Fire Drill’ is deer-resistant because its bulbs and foliage contain lycorine, a substance unpalatable and toxic to deer. This natural defense makes them a good choice for gardens in areas with deer activity.
Blooms last for several weeks during their mid to late spring flowering period. They are also suitable as cut flowers. When cutting, daffodils release a sap that can irritate skin and harm other flowers in a mixed vase. Condition them separately in water for a few hours before combining. ‘Fire Drill’ daffodils naturalize, multiplying and spreading over time, creating larger, more impressive displays.