The 'Carlton' daffodil, one of the most popular and reliable daffodil varieties, is a radiant garden and potted plant that brings spring directly into your home or garden. With its large, bright yellow flowers, which bid farewell to winter like small trumpets, this flower bulb adds a touch of optimism to any environment. A fascinating feature of this particular cultivar is its delicate fragrance, which is reminiscent of vanilla. The two-tone yellow hue – the petals in soft sulfur yellow, the corona in rich golden yellow – provides a lively contrast. The stems are robust and upright, giving the plant a proud posture.
Typical characteristics:
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large, two-tone yellow flowers with a delicate vanilla scent
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hardy perennial that returns every year
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ideal for naturalizing in the garden
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creates a cheerful, spring-like atmosphere
☀️ Location, Soil and more.
The 'Carlton' daffodil likes sunny to partially shaded locations. The right location is crucial so that the bulb can gather enough strength for next year's bloom.
Location
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sunny to partially shaded
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under sparse deciduous trees or in lawns
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tolerates wind well thanks to robust stems
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Perfect for beds, window boxes, or as a cut flower in a vase.
🌿 Care of Narcis Carlton – Overview
This flower bulb is not only a feast for the eyes but also extremely easy to care for and robust. It is excellent for beginners, as it is considered "indestructible" and blooms reliably.
🌱 Growth
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upright and clump-forming
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reaches a height of approx. 40 to 50 cm
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multiplies independently over the years (naturalization)
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contributes to a dense and colorful sea of flowers.
🍃 Flowers & Leaves
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flowers consist of a pale yellow perianth and a darker, jagged trumpet
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long, strap-like, grey-green leaves
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flowering time is usually early spring (March/April)
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The size of the flower (up to 10 cm) is a real highlight in the bed.
💧 Watering / Water
Unlike houseplants, bulbs in the garden primarily need moisture during the growth and flowering period.
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keep soil slightly moist during flowering
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avoid root ball dryness when grown in pots
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after flowering (in summer), the soil can be drier (dormancy)
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However, waterlogging quickly leads to bulb rot.
🌼 Fertilizing
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when sprouting in early spring
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compost or special flower bulb fertilizer
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fertilize lightly again after flowering to strengthen the bulb
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Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this only promotes a lot of foliage but few flowers.
🌱 Substrate
Well-draining soil is essential for flower bulbs:
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nutrient-rich
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well-draining (no waterlogging!)
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normal garden soil or potting soil for pots
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For heavy clay soil, always mix in sand or gravel.
🪴 Planting (instead of repotting)
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planting time is in autumn (September to December, as long as the soil is frost-free)
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planting depth: About two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall (approx. 10–15 cm)
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planting distance: approx. 10–15 cm, they look best in groups.
✂️ Pruning
The 'Carlton' daffodil requires a special pruning technique for its return next year.
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remove faded flower heads (so that no energy goes into seed formation)
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Important: Only cut off the green leaves when they are completely yellow and dried out!
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The plant draws energy from the leaves back into the bulb.
🌱 Propagating Narcis Carlton
Propagation happens almost by itself through offsets:
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the bulbs form offsets underground
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every 3–4 years, the clumps can be dug up and divided in summer
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simply replant the divided bulbs in a new location in autumn.
☠️ Is the daffodil poisonous?
Yes – unlike Maranta, caution is advised. The 'Carlton' daffodil is poisonous in all parts.
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contains alkaloids (especially lycorine), particularly in the bulb
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caution with curious dogs and cats
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poisonous if ingested (can cause nausea)
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The plant sap can cause irritation in sensitive skin ("daffodil dermatitis"). 👉 It's best to wear gloves when cutting and place them out of reach of nibbling pets.
🧠 Other Care Tips
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'Carlton' is extremely winter-hardy and does not require frost protection.
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If the flowers become smaller, it's time to divide and replant the bulb clump.
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This variety is excellent for "forcing" indoors to have flowers already in winter (after cold treatment).
✅ Conclusion
With its radiant yellow color and sweet fragrance, the 'Carlton' daffodil is a classic that should not be missing from any spring garden. It is robust, easy to care for, and returns every year as a faithful perennial to banish winter. Let this sunny flower bulb brighten your garden or balcony.