Narcissus is a genus in the Amaryllidaceae family native to Europe, North Africa and Asia surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. As a popular garden plant it has been hybridized and there are new ones being introduced every year. There is an elaborate system of classification used by Narcissus/Daffodil enthusiasts. For more information on that and much other useful information consult the web site of the American Daffodil Society.
After several hundreds of years of selection, Narcissus viruses are prevalent where this genus (or hybrids) is grown. Bulbs are also susceptible to the Narcissus bulb fly. Growing from seeds is one way to get plants free of viruses.
Most Narcissus seeds are low-temperature germinators and will germinate after having spent a short period of time in a warm/moist environment. These plants grow where the rainy season is primarily autumn/winter/early spring, so this mechanism stops them from germination at the wrong time of year. It is reported that fresh seeds are easy to germinate. Harvest the seeds when they are black and becoming hard. Either sow the seeds as soon as they are ripe, or store them cool and dry over summer (e.g. in a fridge) and sow them in late summer. Don't sow them too late because if they don't get the warm end of the season followed by cool fall temperatures they will not germinate until the right time the following year. Don't throw them out - the seeds are reasonably long-lived. Thinly cover the seed to about its own width, then cover the top of the pot with some more grit (or wood chipping, sawdust, crushed quartz, etc). A well drained mix works well for sowing. Once they start to germinate (which can take about 6 weeks to one year), move them to somewhere bright and cool, but out of direct sun (Will Ashburner, Ian Black, Lauw de Jager).
Narcissus Species A-L - Narcissus Species M-Z - Narcissus Hybrids - Division 1 - Division 2 - Division 3 - Division 4 - Division 5 - Division 6 - Division 7 - Division 8 - Division 9 - Division 10 - Division 11 - Division 12 - Miniatures