Daffodils are found in Europe, North America and Western Asia. Narcissus is the botanical name for all daffodils. They are also called paperwhites and jonquil. The term daffodil is generally used for single, trumpet-shaped flowers and paperwhites for tiny white flowers that grow in clusters.

 

The plant grows to a height of 10" to 18" in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, including white, cream, yellow, orange and bicolor. They are one of the most vigorous and colorful flowers of spring.

 

Daffodils may be separated into 13 major divisions based on several distinctive forms of the flower. It consists of a central whorl of tepals (the corona) surrounded by a ring of petals. The center part may range from a long, tubular part to a short, flattened disc.

 

Daffodil flowers need a well-drained soil and a sunny place. Hillsides and raised beds are best. Drainage is very important. A slight acidic soil is best. The plant should not be fertilized much. A little bone meal in the spring is all they need. The bulb should be planted approximately 6" deep (standard size) and 2" deep (the miniature ones). The top of the bulb is the pointed end. Daffodils need lots of water while they are growing. Continue watering for three weeks or so after blooming time; then stop watering.

 

Daffodils multiply in two ways: asexual cloning (bulb division) where exact copies of the flower will result, and sexually (from seed) where new, different flowers will result.

 

Daffodils have few insect and disease pests. Bulb rots are perhaps the most frequent cause of disappointment. Plants that have been attacked may not emerge or may have weak or blighted leaves. Bulbs usually begin to rot at the base.

 

Daffodils are a very beautiful flower and are used in bouquets or mixed spring arrangements. Daffodils are suitable for the shrub border, perennial beds and among ground covers. They are effective as skirting beneath ornamental deciduous trees. They naturalize easily in grassy areas and in casual patches within flower and shrub beds. They provide delicious cut flowers for the house, and most are well suited to growing in pots for living bouquets to enjoy in the house and on decks and patios

 

• The name Narcissus is derived from that of the narcissistic youth of Greek mythology called Narkissos.
• The name Daffodil is derived from an earlier "Affodell", a variant of Asphodel.
• The daffodil is the national flower of Wales. It is traditional to wear a daffodil on Saint David's Day - 1st March.
• In some countries the yellow Daffodil is associated with Easter.
• Daffodil is a common decoration flower during Chinese New Year.
• "Daffodil Days" are organized by various societies to raise funds by offering the flowers in return for a donation.
• Daffodil flowers symbolize friendship.