Daffodils

The Royal Horticulture Society has pioneered the classification of daffodils since 1908 and since 1955 it has become the International Registration Authority for the genus. Under the current system of classification daffodils fall into 12 division .Within each division daffodils are further distinguished by code colours.

White/ Whitish : W ; Orange : O ; Red : R ; Yellow : Y ; Pink : P ; Green : G

Daffodils contain many chemicals toxic to mammals, including Oxalic acid and other alkaloids. These compounds and their precursors have antimiotic properties. Daffodil plants have been known to be toxic because of their narcotic, purgative and emetic properties when eaten. Their sap is a powerful irritant which can cause rashes on the hands and faces of flower pickers.

The best time of picking Daffodil flowers is when they reach 'goose-neck' stage i.e. when the flower has been bent over slightly. The spath has split, showing colour but before the perianth parts separate. Daffodil flowers intended for export market are picked earlier i.e. at the pencil stage. This may result in smaller flower which do not last as long. Cut flowers can be stored before dispatch to market without affecting their vase life either by keeping upright in water or wrapping in plastic films or flat in trays.

Daffodils are generally propagated through bulbs or offsets. They are generally sold as single nosed or double nosed bulbs. The double nosed bulbs are actually two bulbs fused together. An important factor determining whether or not flowering will occur is the size/weight of the Daffodil bulb. For Daffodils there is a minimum bulb weight required to ensure one flower per bulb is 10 gm. (approx). The Daffodil bulbs vary significantly in size among the various species and varieties.

Daffodils, the handsome and well known bulbous plants are the essence of spring. The bright golden yellow flowers bloom almost everywhere during Feb-March. Daffodils symbolize friendship because of their exclusive unmatched beauty. They are constantly recurring flowers, where climate is moderate. Daffodils often bloom in clusters. The term Daffodil and Narcissus are synonymous. Daffodil is the common name for all the members of the genus Narcissus (L).