Daffodil/ Narcissus General Information
Daffodils are especially long lived and they multiply. Daffodil /Narcissus is the most widespread genus.
Gardeners have plenty of colors, shapes and sizes to choose from. Yellow trumpets are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to daffodils. There are white daffodils with pink cups, yellow daffodils with orange cups, miniature daffodils, double daffodils, split corona daffodils and many more. You can’t go wrong with these cheerful flowers.
Quotation from Homer sometime between 12th and 8th century B.C OMG
“The Narcissus wondrously glittering, a noble sight for all, whether immortal gods or mortal men; from whose root a hundred heads spring forth, and at the fragrant odor therof all the broad heaven above and all the earth laughed, and the salt wave of the sea.” Homer: Hymn to Demeter
Fascinating History
Centuries before Homer, flowers of this species were used by the Egyptians in funeral wreaths and have been found in tombs well-preserved after 3000 years. According to legend, this flower, originally white, was turned yellow by the touch of Pluto when he captured Persephone sleeping with a wreath of them on her hair. According to Pliny the plant was named Narcissus because of the scent: Narce=narcotic. The myth of Narcissus came later. Early on, the yellow species was called “Affodyl” and “Daffadowndyllyes.”
The first daffodil show was held in Birmingham, England in 1893. Since then, the daffodil has become one of the world’s most popular flowers. It is the national flower of Wales and the birth flower for those born in the month of March. The Georgia Daffodil Society holds its annual show at the Chattahoochee Nature each March.
Easy Planting
Dig a hole at least 6” deep. Place two bulbs pointy side up in the bottom of the hole. Add a tablespoon of bone meal for good measure. Replace the dirt and then water.
*If you are confused about the right planting depth for flower bulbs, trust the bulbs. Researchers have discovered that some flower bulbs, like daffodils, adjust themselves to the right planting depth. “Contractile roots” are responsible for bulbs’ movement. Daffs are even phototropic. They “right” themselves and grow towards the sun even if you plant them upside down or sideways.
Easy Care
In the spring, enjoy the blooms and let the foliage fade and disappear naturally. Do not cut the tops or fold them. The tops feed the bulb so it can bloom the next spring.
They will multiply, so divide as needed and share w/friends.
Spring Daffodils