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Daffodils Trumpet Arrival of Spring

By Jos Van Hage

We know spring has arrived when we see the yellow flowers of the daffodil (Narcissus). A very popular spring flowering bulb that is planted in Fall the daffodil is easily identified as it has a central trumpet surrounded by six outer petals. Some varieties have double flowers while others have a split trumpet and they range in color from white, cream, yellow orange and apricot. Flowers grow on leafless stalks that rise above the slender leaves and range in height from 3 inches to 24 inches. There are hundreds of different varieties, which have been broken down into 12 different categories depending on their flower and growing characteristics.

‘Trumpet Daffodils’ have an extended trumpet (center of the flower) that is as long or longer as the surrounding petals. They grow to a height of 18 inches are considered an early to mid spring bloomer.

‘Double Narcissus’ has beautiful ruffled centers with several layers of petals, blooms early to mid spring, and grows 16 to 18 inches high.

‘Cupped Narcissus’, bloom early to mid spring and grow from 16-20 inches tall. There is a large range of flower shapes as well as different sizes and shapes of the trumpet.

A good type to grow in rock gardens is ‘Rockgarden Narcissus’ which grow 14-18 inches tall and bloom in early to mid spring. ‘Dwarf Narcissus’ is also excellent for rock gardens as they grow 8-10 inches tall and the flowers are smaller. These are also perfect for growing in containers and pots. ‘Mini narcissus’ is also small.

‘Paperwhites’ are bulbs, which are planted indoors in pots that will bloom later in the winter 4-6 weeks after planting. The flowers are very fragrant making them popular for indoor growing.

When choosing bulbs, pick the large solid heavy bulbs that are not damaged or bothered by insects. Remember the larger the bulb the larger the flower! Buy 7-9 bulbs of the same or similar variety as it makes a nicer show. Plant bulbs early to mid September so that they can form a good root system before winter sets in. Plant bulbs at a depth of 5-6 inches or for smaller bulb 3-4 inches and space them 4-6 inches apart with 7-9 bulbs per hole. Sprinkle some bone meal in the bottom of the hole before planting as this will also help in root formation.

Daffodils easily adapt to grow in almost any area making them ideal for naturalizing. For best results plant bulbs in a fertile, well-drained sandy loam but they will grow in other soil types provided it is well drained. Mixing humus with the soil and then placing a layer of sand directly under the bulbs when planting to create good drainage can lighten heavy soil. They are also rarely bothered by deer, rodents, or other pests because of their bitter taste. Daffodil bulbs can be left in the ground for 4-5 years before they need to be dug up and divided which is done in early August after they have naturally died back.

-Jos



Jos Van Hage owns three Art Knapp's Garden Centres in the prince George area:
-Highway 16 West
-Highway 97 North
-Junction of Highway's 97 Southand the Old Cariboo Highway

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