Narcissus (Daffodil): Fire
categories: Bulbs Narcissus (Daffodil) Narcissus (Daffodil) Diseases Ornamentals
revision date: 2023-02-08 12:00
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Narcissus fire is a fungal disease which affects the petals and leaves, but does not affect the bulb. It is favored by warm, humid weather and can spread very quickly under these conditions. Flowers are attacked first, with watersoaked spots appearing at the margins and enlarging rapidly. The spots later turn brown and wither. Leaf infections follow flower infections. Initial leaf symptoms include development of yellow, elongate spots near leaf tips. The centers of the spots turn grayish or brown as the spots enlarge. The leaf above the infection point dies and droops. The fungus survives in infected plant tissues and on plant debris in the soil.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Rotate out of daffodils for two years.
- Remove and destroy flowers and leaves as soon as infection begins.
- Clean up and destroy or discard (do not compost) all plant debris.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.