Yellow daffodils are hardy, easy-to-grow perennials that grow in most of North America, with the exception of the hottest and humid places. They are part of the genus Narcissus, which is composed of a series of species that come in a wide range of colors, but the conventional daffodil flower is bright yellow or white with six petals surrounding a tall trumpet; in fact, the trumpet is usually longer than the petals. Due to their huge flowers and long flowering season, these plants are ideal for any garden.
These plants are very well planted in small groups or in larger clusters. With their trumpet-shaped flowers, daffodils are known to signal the arrival of spring. Although yellow daffodils are the most common, they are also available in a wide variety of colors and two-color combinations.
Where to plant them yellow daffodils
They can be grown in the ground or in pots. They look great in large groves and forest gardens. Many gardeners plant the bulbs by the hundreds rather than the dozens. In spring, narcissus flowers are beautiful cut flowers. If grown in a greenhouse or indoors, the plant can be forced to produce flowers in the winter.
Daffodil bulbs need to be planted in the fall for them to grow into a spring-blooming flower. Each bulb should produce several stems, with one flower per stem in some types and multiple flowers per stem in others. The flowers are durable in the garden and very good for cutting.
They require very little maintenance care, they naturalize very well and, perhaps most importantly, they are completely resistant to rodents.
When and how to plant yellow daffodils
The daffodils They are a type of fall bulb, which means that they are planted in that season and bloom in late winter or early spring, after frost. Yellow daffodils are easy plants that will thrive in most gardens, but will flourish best in fairly rich soil.
On ground:
Daffodil bulbs are best planted in September, October, and November. So that they can bloom in the spring, you have to plant them following these steps:
- Make a hole about 3 times the height of the bulb to protect it from winter frosts.
- Make sure the soil is well drained, as standing water can cause the bulb to rot.
- If the soil is compact, feel free to put a handful of sand in the bottom of the hole.
- The daffodil bulb is planted with the tip up.
- Plant it by the dozen in the same spot to create real spots of color.
- They can be kept in different places (sunnier or less) to have different flowering periods.
- Keep them about 5 cm apart and create several "spots" by planting your bulbs in groups of 8/10 units.
in pots
The normal flowering period occurs in the spring. But you can also make daffodils bloom indoors in the winter as the bulbs are forced to bloom.
- In a pot, make a bed of potting soil 3 to 4 cm deep.
- Arrange 2 or 3 narcissus bulbs so that they touch each other for a nice compact effect.
- Cover with potting soil, leaving only the tips of the bulbs sticking out.
- Put them in a cool, dark, and relatively humid place.
- As soon as the leaves come out, place the container in a light and slightly cooler place (about 10-15 °).
- A few days later you can put them in your house to enjoy the flowering.
Caring for yellow daffodils
Daffodil maintenance is very simple: just add a little manure in winter and remove the leaves when they are yellow., but not before, because that is when they accumulate their reserves for the following year. If you remove the foliage from your daffodils right after flowering, they may not grow well again the following spring.
When your daffodils wilt, you can cut off the leaves. This will give you the opportunity to see them grow back the following winter. For group plantings, consider loosening the bulbs in September and every 2 to 3 years. Moderate watering is adequate so as not to soak the bulbs, which would cause them to rot.
The flowering time of daffodils is relatively short (around 15 days). You will appreciate its little clusters of color. The flowers come out in accordance with the sunlight. To extend this flowering period, do not hesitate to plant the bulbs in less sunny areas to enjoy them until May.
Daffodils don't like hot places. To keep them longer, avoid placing them near a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace. Watch out, the narcissus is poisonous so you must always use gloves to handle them and then wash your hands.
Meaning of flowers
Although the main symbolism of the yellow daffodils is that of new beginnings, rebirth and the arrival of spring, has many more. Daffodils announce the return of sunny days. With its trumpet-shaped flower and sweet scent, it is a gardener's delight and leaves a springy air in the air. The yellow daffodil represents joy, love and sharing, which makes it a must for holidays. In a bouquet it is the ideal gift to offer to close friends or members of your family to share with them sweetness and warmth.
The name of the narcissus comes from the Greek god Narcissus. According to legend, Narcissus was so in love with his own reflection in the river that he drowned while trying to capture his reflection, although there are other meanings as well:
- Creativity
- Inspiration
- Renewal and vitality
- Consciousness and inner reflection
- Conference proceedings
- Forgiveness
Yellow daffodils have the same uplifting meaning in all cultures, probably because this bright flower appears when the dark cold days of winter fade and the warm rays of spring appear.
- China: The daffodil symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture. In fact, it is so valued for its ability to attract good things that it is the official symbol of the Chinese New Year.
- Japan: For the Japanese, the narcissus means joy and happiness.
- France: In France, the daffodil is a sign of hope.
- Wales: A Welsh legend claims that the person who finds the first daffodil flower will be blessed with more gold than silver in the following year.
- Arab countries: The Arabs believed that the narcissus flower was an aphrodisiac and cured baldness.
- Medieval Europe: Medieval Europeans believed that if their gaze fell on a daffodil, it was a harbinger of imminent death.
- United States: In the United States, the daffodil is the official symbol of the American Cancer Association, symbolizing hope for a cure. It is also the flower of the month of March and the symbol of the XNUMXth wedding anniversary.