Tom Stimpson: The best narcissi from our visit to the Netherlands - Episode 290 - grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends

From the first November blooms to the last flowers in May, narcissus can quietly carry your garden through the whole of spring.

In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Tom Stimpson joins Sarah as they unpack what they found on a whirlwind narcissus trip to the Netherlands – from finely bred, climate‑resilient varieties to pots that brim with scent on the coldest days.

They share their favourite tried‑and‑tested daffodils for pots, borders and cutting, and the key characteristics they now look for.

In this episode, discover:

How to plan a simple narcissus succession so you have daffodils in flower from November through to May
The named varieties Sarah and Tom rate for pots, borders and cutting, such as ‘Avalanche’, ‘February Gold’ and ‘Starlight Sensation’
Practical ideas for making your space work harder, including interplanting narcissus with dahlias for almost seamless colour

Products mentioned:

Narcissus ‘Actaea’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaea

Narcissus ‘Avalanche’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-avalanche

Narcissus ‘February Gold’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-february-gold

Narcissus ‘Tête‑à‑tête’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-tete-a-tete

Narcissus ‘Rip Van Winkle’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-rip-van-winkle

Narcissus ‘Silver Chimes’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-silver-chimes

Narcissus ‘Starlight Sensation’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-starlight-sensation

Narcissus ‘Pheasant’s Eye’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-pheasants-eye

Narcissus ‘Snipe’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-snipe

Narcissus ‘Sailboat’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-sailboat

Narcissus ‘Polar Hunter’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-polar-hunter