How to Grow Narcissus 'Ice Follies'
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Narcissus 'Ice Follies'
Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'Ice Follies'
flowerIce Follies is a large-cupped daffodil cultivar known for its striking two-tone blooms featuring pure white perianth petals surrounding a pale yellow trumpet-shaped corona that fades to white. This classic spring-blooming bulb is one of the most popular and reliable daffodil varieties, valued for its elegant appearance and excellent garden performance.
When should you plant Narcissus 'Ice Follies' in your zone?
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Example Narcissus 'Ice Follies' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Narcissus 'Ice Follies'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Narcissus 'Ice Follies' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Dormancy & Chilling
12-15 weeks (roughly November-March)Bulb lies dormant in cool soil, requiring 12-15 weeks of temperatures below 50°F to break dormancy.
Plant bulbs in fall (September-November in Northern Hemisphere). Ensure consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Mulch lightly to insulate.
Emergence & Growth
3-4 weeksGreen shoots and foliage emerge from soil as temperatures warm. Leaves are strap-like and blue-green.
No fertilizer needed if amended at planting. Remove mulch once shoots appear if desired. Monitor for slugs and snails.
Bud Formation & Flowering
3-4 weeksFlower buds swell within the developing stem and blooms emerge. Flowers open with white petals and pale yellow trumpet that fades nearly white.
Stake tall stems if needed in windy locations. Deadhead spent flowers but leave stems to feed bulb. Avoid cutting back foliage yet.
Bloom & Pollination
2-3 weeks per flowerFully open flowers display characteristic large white cup surrounding pale yellow trumpet. Flowers typically last 2-3 weeks.
Support flowers if crowded or in wind. Cut for indoor arrangements if desired (leave 4-6 inches of stem to feed bulb). Enjoy pollinating insect visits.
Foliage & Bulb Regeneration
5-6 weeksAfter blooms fade, foliage continues photosynthesizing and building energy reserves in the bulb. Leaves remain green and elongate.
Do NOT remove foliage early; allow 5-6 weeks of growth post-bloom. Continue watering as foliage yellows naturally. Apply low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to support bulb development.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy infested bulbs; avoid injuring bulbs during digging. Plant in loose soil and cultivate mulch to expose pupae. Use sticky traps near plants.
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Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply neem oil or spinosad-based organic insecticides. Encourage natural predators like ground beetles.
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes soft growth.
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Increase humidity; spray with water. Use miticide if severe; ensure adequate air circulation.
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryNarcissus bulbs and flowers contain toxic alkaloids and should never be eaten or used in cooking. [source]
Cut flowers & arrangements
HouseholdIce Follies is excellent for fresh-cut arrangements, lasting 7-10 days in water. Note: sap may cause skin irritation; wash hands after handling. [source]
Early spring food source
WildlifeProvides valuable nectar for early-season pollinators and insects emerging from winter, supporting bee populations when few other flowers bloom. [source]
Garden naturalization & landscape design
CraftPerfect for naturalizing in lawns, woodland edges, and borders, creating stunning spring displays. Reliable perennial that blooms earlier and longer than most cultivars. [source]
Historical medicinal study
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional medicine, though modern research focuses on alkaloid compounds like lycorine and galantamine for potential neuroprotective properties; not recommended for home medicinal use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when buds are just opening, using a sharp knife and leaving at least 4-6 inches of stem to continue feeding the bulb. Cut stems at an angle and place immediately in cool water with floral preservative. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For naturalizing, deadhead spent flowers but allow foliage to die back naturally over 5-6 weeks before removing, allowing bulbs to recharge for next year's bloom.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ice Follies has been a registered daffodil cultivar since 1947 and remains one of the most commercially grown daffodil varieties worldwide due to its reliability and elegant bicolor blooms.
- 🌱 Daffodils are toxic to most animals including deer, rabbits, and squirrels, making them an excellent choice for gardens plagued by wildlife browsing.
- 🌱 The pale yellow trumpet of Ice Follies characteristically fades to white as it matures, creating a dynamic color shift over the 3-4 week bloom period.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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