Narcissus Epricot Whirl

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

Daffodil Epricot Whirl ("Apricot Whirl"), perhaps, is one of the most unusual and beautiful representatives of this genus of spring flowers, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. They are deservedly popular among gardeners in Europe, Russia and neighboring countries. Their exquisite and seemingly capricious appearance should not be misleading - the cultivation of daffodils of the Epricot Whirl variety does not require excessive labor and financial investments, and even beginners can do it. The success of growing and obtaining abundant flowering of Epricot Whirl daffodils depends on adherence to agrotechnical recommendations. In this article, we'll share all the secrets of cultivating these beautiful spring flowers that fill gardens with cheerful, sunny hues.

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: variety description

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

Describing the beauty of Epricot Whirl daffodils is not an easy task. This flower has a delicate combination of white, yellow and salmon shades in the color of the petals, rare in its harmony. The yellow core, like an asterisk, flickers against the background of wavy petals of pale pink color, which, in turn, look advantageous against the snow-white background of large outer petals. Their wavy contours indicate that the flowers of this variety belong to orchids - fully blossoming Epricot Whirl daffodils are surprisingly reminiscent of tropical orchids.

Despite their rather exotic appearance, Epricot Whirl daffodils have a rather unpretentious character, which allows them to be successfully grown not only in the southern regions, but also in central Russia. The daffodil variety Epricot Whirl is resistant to fairly strong (up to -40 degrees) frosts, provided they are short-lived, as well as to a short drought. In regions with long, harsh winters, it is recommended to grow this variety of daffodils in greenhouses or indoors.

The height of the stem of the daffodil Epricot Whirl is on average 40 cm.The diameter of the double flowers can reach 10 cm.

A daffodil of the Epricot Whirl variety can grow successfully in one place for 3-4 years, then the plant needs to be transplanted. These spring flowers bloom fairly equally - in the first days of April. Flowering usually lasts about 20 days or a little more - until early May. When cut, Epricot Whirl daffodils can remain fresh for quite a long time - up to one and a half weeks.

Origin of the variety

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

Despite the fact that orchid daffodils have been around for a long time - from the 30s-40s of the 20th century, and have been considered a separate group since 1974, the daffodil variety Epricot Whirl is very young. It was bred in 2006 by Dutch breeders.

How to grow Epricot Whirl daffodils?

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

The cultivation of daffodils of the Epricot Whirl variety does not require special agrotechnical recommendations and, in general, coincides with the cultivation process of other representatives of the Amaryllis family. The success of this enterprise lies in the observance of certain rules for planting and caring for Epricot Whirl daffodils.

When to plant Epricot Whirl daffodils?

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

The best time to plant daffodils in central Russia is late summer and early autumn (August, September). In the southern regions, these plants can be planted later - in October.The main condition is the air temperature - it should not be lower than +10 degrees.

Selection and preparation of a site for planting

When choosing a place to place daffodil beds, it is best to give preference to well-lit places that have a reliable shelter from the through wind. This role can be played by voluminous bushes, trees, hedges and walls of buildings.

The soil on the site must be prepared in advance for planting daffodils - at least one and a half months in advance. Daffodils love loose soils, which are quickly saturated with moisture throughout the depth of the nutrient layer, and also have air permeability. Slightly acidic soils are suitable for the successful cultivation of daffodils. You can increase the acidity level by adding wood ash, crushed eggshells or chemical fertilizing to the soil.

Preparing Epricot Whirl Narcissus Bulbs for Planting

The quality of the planting material directly affects the abundance of flowering daffodils. It is recommended to purchase it only from trusted manufacturers and sellers who have repeatedly proven themselves from the best side. An external examination of the bulbs will help assess the degree of their health - there should be no noticeable flaws and signs of infections on their surface. The average size of the Epricot Whirl daffodil bulb is 3-5 cm in diameter.

Before you start planting the bulbs in the ground, you need to clean them of dry scales - best of all by hand, so as not to damage the planting material. For disinfection, you can treat them with a solution of potassium permanganate (0.1-0.2%) - just soak them in it for an hour.

Planting holes for Epricot Whirl daffodil bulbs should be spaced at intervals of 20 cm.When planting, the bulbs should be buried 15-20 cm - this will protect them from overheating on dry sunny days, and will also provide a sufficient amount of moisture.

Daffodil care tips Epricot Whirl

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

Caring for daffodils of the Epricot Whirl variety consists in timely watering, weeding, loosening the soil, applying fertilizers and carrying out preventive treatments against pests and diseases. For successful wintering, it is necessary to mulch the soil surface in the beds with daffodils with a 15-centimeter layer of sawdust and foliage. Let's take a closer look at each procedure.

Soil care

To maintain the soil in the daffodil beds in good condition, it is necessary to loosen it every two days with a fine hoe - it is important not to damage the root system of the plant. Weeding is carried out simultaneously with this procedure. As a result, the soil is saturated with oxygen, and the weeds that draw out nutrients from it are removed from the site.

Watering mode

Daffodils of the Epricot Whirl variety require weekly watering - this plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil. The distribution of moisture in the soil is very important, so you need to monitor the condition of the upper layers of the earth - they should not be allowed to harden. To control soil moisture, you can place a peg or pencil in the ground next to the daffodils and periodically remove it for inspection. If, 3 days after watering, its underground part remains wet, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of irrigation - excess moisture began to form in the soil.

Disease and pest control

The exotic and capricious-looking daffodil variety Epricot Whirl is distinguished by a high degree of resistance to bacterial infections and the attack of harmful insects. But fungal infections like fusarium or gray rot periodically affect the planting of daffodils. The main reason for the development of fungal diseases is excessive soil moisture and prolonged rains. Treatment with Bordeaux mixture will help to cope with lesions of fungal origin.

Much more dangerous is infection with viral infections, which manifest themselves in symptoms such as the appearance of spots and streaks on the petals of daffodils.Unfortunately, an infected plant cannot be saved; it must be removed from the site and destroyed in order to avoid mass disease of flowers.

Measures for the prevention of diseases of narcissists and pest infestations include the following actions:

• regular disinfection of garden tools;
• systematic inspection of plants for the presence of harmful insects, which must be immediately removed from the beds;
• using only healthy planting material.

A certain danger to daffodils is slugs, bears and ticks, as well as flies. To get rid of them will help insecticides like "Stop-Zhuk" or ATO "Zhuk".

Fertilization

Fertilizers are shown at the stage of bud formation - mineral dressings are suitable for these purposes. The following solution is popular: a mixture of superphosphate, carbamide and potassium sulfate in equal proportions (1 teaspoon is enough) is poured into 10 liters of water. For processing 1 sq.m. beds with daffodils will require 5 liters of solution.

After the Epricot Whirl daffodils have bloomed, the introduction of phosphorus-potassium supplements in combination with nitrogen is shown. So, you can dissolve nitroammofosku (1 teaspoon) or Agricola (2 teaspoons) in 10 liters of water.

If the season promises to be rainy, you can limit yourself to a single application of a mixture of potassium sulfate, carbamide and superphosphate. It is recommended to do this in March (1 teaspoon of the mixture per 1 sq.m. is enough).

Breeding methods for daffodils of the Epricot Whirl variety

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

Like other daffodils, Epricot Whirl daffodils reproduce by seed, bulbous, and paired scales.

The first method is not very popular, since it creates the risk of losing the varietal qualities of the narcissus. Freshly harvested seeds are suitable for sowing - they must be removed from the seed pod, where they are located in two rows. Otherwise, the seeds may not hatch and germinate. With the seed method of reproduction, flowering will occur only in season 3.

The bulbous method, also called baby reproduction, will require the collection of individual parts of the adult bulbs - this is done during the summer. This method is distinguished by a high percentage of germination - up to 85% of children successfully adapt to new conditions. Flowering occurs in a year. The planting pattern for the bulbs remains standard.

In order to plant daffodils using the paired scale method, you need to collect the bulbs and peel them. Then each onion should be divided into several parts - from 6 to 8, it is recommended to do this with a knife. The resulting slices are soaked in an antifungal solution, then dried. Paired flakes are placed in a bag with agroperlite and kept at a temperature not lower than +21 degrees. If everything was done correctly, then by the fifth month babies are formed from them. After cleaning from the scales, they can be transplanted into the ground.

Daffodils Epricot Whirl in landscape design

Narcissus Epricot Whirl: photo of the variety

Daffodils of the Epricot Whirl variety can decorate any area, regardless of its size and relief. In landscaping, these unusual flowers are used to create compositions that combine dark or rich shades with delicate and pastel colors. Salmon petals of Epricot Whirl daffodils in a snow-white edging will look advantageous against the background of flowers that have a dark or bright color. In any case, daffodils of this variety will not go unnoticed. They can be used for filling flower beds, borders, for decorating rock gardens and rockeries.

Conclusion

The delicate and somewhat exotic appearance of Epricot Whirl daffodils should not mislead inexperienced gardeners. The cultivation of this plant is practically no different from the cultivation of daffodils of other varieties and does not require much effort. For their successful placement in your garden, it is enough to follow the agrotechnical recommendations discussed in this article.