The daffodil is the official common name for any plant that falls under the genus Narcissus. This includes jonquils and paperwhites, along with many others. But, generally, when we think of daffodils, we all think of the classic springtime, trumpet-shaped bloom.
I've assembled a few facts that every daffodil lover will want to know.
1. If you happen to be visiting Jolly Old England and hear someone speaking about Lent Lilies, they are talking about daffodils.
2. Like most other flowers, daffodils have a meaning. Gifting someone with a bouquet of daffodils is believed to ensure happiness to the recipient. Just make sure you don't present them with a single flower. Flower legend has it that a single daffodil will bring back luck to the person receiving it.
3. Depending on growing conditions, daffodils can flower anywhere from six weeks to six months. it tends to be a little warm here in Lily pad and our daffs last only a couple of weeks. Darn it.
4. Daffodils come back each year (perennials). Just let the plant rebuild its bulb, and cut off the leaves only when they start to turn yellow.
5. Daffodils are the national flower of Wales. Lucky the Welsh!
6. According to Welch legend, if you spot the first daffodil of the season, your next year will be (supposedly) filled with wealth.
7. There are at least 25 different daffodil species and up to 13,000 hybrids!
8. Celebrating your 10th wedding anniversary? Then daffodils will be your official flower. Just remember not to give just one!
9. Tradition holds that if a daffodil is forced to bloom for the Chinese New Year, it will bring good luck to the entire household.
10. Daffodils contain sap that can be poisonous to other plants. if you want to use daffodil blooms in your bouquet or arrangement, soak the daffodil stems separately in water for 24 hours to remove the sap before combining them with your other flowers.
11. Squirrels won't eat daffodils because of their poisonous crystals. And be sure to keep your dog away from them!
And finally,
11. Daffodils are surprisingly tolerant of the cold. This makes them ideal to grow in northern and colder regions.
This does it for me this week. I hope you enjoyed learning about daffodils. Since next Friday is Good Friday, we'll be looking at the appropriate Easter Lily. We'll close out April on the following Friday with facts about hyacinths.
Please join me back here on Monday. Until we meet again, have a wonderful weekend whatever plans are.
PEACE.