autumn daffodil

When it comes to watering your autumn daffodil, it is important to strike a balance between too much and too little. The ideal watering schedule for this particular species is small but frequent waterings. In the summer months, you should check the soil every 3 to 4 days. If it feels dry, give the plant a thorough and deep watering. You can reduce the frequency in autumn and winter, checking every 5 to 10 days and only watering when the soil feels dry again. In general, you should give the plant around 1–2 inches of water per week, but adjust the amount depending on your climate and the soil.

The autumn daffodil (Sternbergia lutea) should be placed in an area that receives full sun or very bright light, for at least 6 hours a day. The optimal amount of sunlight for this plant species is 6 to 8 hours daily during the growing season. During the winter, autumn daffodils will need slightly less sun with 4 or 5 hours of sunlight daily. It’s important to keep in mind though, that too much sun can lead to stunted growth and pale flowers.

The best time to prune an autumn daffodil (Sternbergia lutea) is right after blooming, in late summer or early fall. This will allow the plant to recover and produce fresh foliage. When pruning, remove only the dead and damaged foliage, as well as any dense growth that appears weak or unhealthy. Trimming back the foliage may also improve the overall symmetry of the plant. Be careful not to remove more than 1 third of the total foliage as this can significantly weaken the plant. Additionally, it is best to avoid pruning during the winter as this can reduce the plant’s ability to recover correctly.