Narcissus Dutch Master Daffodil Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit 1995

An improvement on the famous King Alfred daffodil, Dutch Master is the quintessential daffodil, showcasing classic form and vibrant color. This award-winning variety has been a gardener's favorite since the mid-1950s. Plant Dutch Master daffodil bulbs in autumn before the first frost, and by early next spring, your garden will be graced with large, bright yellow flowers featuring a huge, trumpet-shaped center. These delightful blooms are borne singly on long, strong stems that rise to a height of 18+ inches, making them perfect for creating brilliant bunched bouquets.

Dutch Master, a variety of Narcissus pseudonarcissus, commonly known as daffodil, has an upright habit and a fast growth rate. It multiplies and naturalizes easily, forming sprawling clumps of long, flat, strap-like foliage and producing showy blooms year after year. In ideal conditions, these daffodils can thrive for decades, providing a reliable source of spring color. Best planted in groups or masses, Dutch Master daffodils are versatile and work beautifully in mixed beds, borders, and containers. Consider planting them in large sweeping drifts in open woodland areas, masses under deciduous trees, or smaller groupings in front of shrubs. They mix well with ground covers and other spring-blooming bulbs and are also an excellent option for forcing indoors for winter blooms.

Narcissus Dutch Master is a bulbous perennial that is incredibly easy to grow and maintain. Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3, these daffodils thrive in areas with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, though they typically grow and perennialize well in USDA Zones 5-9. Dutch Master daffodils prefer sunny to partly shady locations with rich, fertile, well-draining soil that has a neutral to acidic pH. Water the daffodils during their growth period, but avoid soggy soils, as bulbs do not tolerate excess moisture. When planting, space the bulbs 8 inches apart and plant them 6 inches deep. For robust flowering, feed the bulbs with a balanced fertilizer like Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food as soon as new growth appears in the spring. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally before cutting it away, as the leaves continue to nourish the bulbs, ensuring future growth and blooming. Dutch Master daffodils are also relatively pest-free and deer-resistant, making them a low-maintenance and reliable choice for your garden.

For tips on creating a stunning spring bulb garden, check out our blog post on How to Plant a Spring Bulb Garden. And don't forget to visit our Garden Essentials page for all the tools and products you'll need to get started.