Daffodil

Description:

Large-Cupped Daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus and are one of the most beautiful and popular bulb flowers in any garden. Other names for the daffodil include jonquil and white narcissi. One of the first flowers to make their appearance in early spring, the daffodil signifies the end of winter. Daffodils have a trumpet shaped center against star shaped petals. The trumpet is often a contrasting color to the star. Daffodils are generally around 2 feet tall with 5-inch blooms. Daffodils, like most flowers, prefer a well-drained, sunny location. The soil should be slightly acidic and include composted organic matter or manure.

Habitat:

The garden Daffodil's ancestors come from the states around the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain and Portugal and the Middle East, such as Turkey. The earliest record mentioned about Daffodils was around two or three hundred years B.C.

Notes:

These bulb perennials contain a natural poison and for that reason the critters will leave alone...great for wooded areas and garden under stress from deer and other gardening pests. Choose a well-drained, sunny place, with a slightly acidic soil. Plant your Daffodils so that their top (pointed end) is at least two times as deep as the bulb is high (top of a 2" bulb is 4" deep). Plant bulbs deeper in sandy soil than in clay. High-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided. Daffodils need lots of water while they are growing. After blooming, never cut the foliage until it begins to turn yellow (usually late May or June). This is then the time to dig them. Wash the bulbs thoroughly and let them dry completely (at least a week). Put them in onion sacks (or panty hose) and hang them in the coolest place you can find until they're ready to plant. Good air circulation will keep the storage rot at a minimum. Daffodil Plant Care