Originating in South Africa, they're adapted to fairly poor soils, so don't give them any fertiliser. If you overfeed and overwater, or there's a warm, wet season, they can become susceptible to the bacterial soft rot disease Erwinia, which causes tubers to become soft, mushy and smelly. When you divide the tubers every two or three years, cut off and destroy any infected parts. The silky trumpet-shaped flowers can be as wide as your hand, in shades from pure white and pink to vibrant orange, crimson and purple. Many have stripes or other markings.
Late spring is when they appear on the stark, hollow stems.
You can grow them outdoors in warm frost-free areas, or in pots or small tubs. Plant them in autumn with the neck of the bulb just protruding above the ground. In pots, plant on top of the mix. Keep them moist and fed through the growing season, but dry in winter, and keep a watch for snails and slugs. The narcissus bulb fly can be a problem, as the larvae eat away the centre of the bulbs.