The first flowers of the season are out and here is a little information about them.
Daffodils,
the flowers symbolizing friendship, are some of the most popular flowers exclusively due to their unmatched beauty.
Daffodils belong to the genus
Narcissus. Daffodil flowers have a trumpet-shaped structure set against a star-shaped background.
Daffodils are constantly
recurring flowers with at least 50 species and many hybrids. Where
climate is moderate, Daffodils flourish among the first spring buds.
Daffodils often bloom in clusters.
Daffodils are native mainly to the Mediterranean region, in
particular to the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Northern Africa and the
Middle East.
All Daffodils have a corona in the center that looks like a trumpet and a
ring of petals all around.
The natural Daffodil is colored golden
yellow all over while the trumpet may often appear in a contrasting
color.
Difference between Daffodils and Narcissus
There is literally no difference between the Daffodils and Narcissus.
The two words are synonymous.
Narcissus is the Latin or botanical name for those commonly called
daffodils and Daffodil is the common name for all members of the genus
Narcissus.
Steps to growing Daffodils.
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Choose a well-drained, sunny place, with a slightly acidic soil.
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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).
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Plant bulbs deeper in sandy soil than in clay.
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High-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided.
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Daffodils need lots of water while they are growing.
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After blooming, never cut the foliage until it begins to turn yellow (usually late May or June).
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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.
