All about Narcissus and Daffodils

Many people wonder whether or not narcissus and daffodils are in any way related. Simply put, yes! The botanical, or Latin, name is narcissus while the common name is daffodil. These beautiful flowers are used in many different kinds of flower arrangements.

When you order them from your local florist, you will notice just how bright and beautiful each petal is. They have a truly unique shape. They extend like a trumpet and the end is almost star-shaped. In moderate weather conditions, they are often one of the first bulbs to bloom in the spring. This early blooming season makes them a popular choice for décor during the Chinese New Year. The paperwhite narcissus is the top pick for this celebration and they have one of the sweetest floral scents of all. Daffodils are usually yellow although their colours may vary from white to orange and even lime green. These flowers come in various sizes and their stems can grow up to 2 feet in height! That said, the smallest varieties only grow 2 inches high so it really depends on the plant itself.

If you want to grow daffodils or narcissus, you need to plant them in autumn so that they bloom after the winter has passed. These bulbs need to be planted twice as deep as the height the plant will grow. If not, the stems will become too heavy and they will bend over under the weight. Plant them in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Slightly acid soil is also preferable. While the soil needs to be properly drained, it is important to water them regularly. After they have enjoyed their bloom season, you should let the foliage turn yellow. Cutting should only be done late in the month of May or June. This will help encourage the plant to bloom the following year. If you like, you can remove the bulbs, wash them, allow them to dry, and then store them in a safe place during the winter. In some cases, depending on the local weather conditions, you might not need to uproot them at all.