Daffodils & Narcissi

Some confusion lies in the difference between a Daffodil and a Narcissus. Well truth is that there is no difference, Daffodil is simply the common name for the genus Narcissus (Narcissi the plural) in the same way that dog is for canine.

Daffodils and Narcissi are the backbone of our industry. Although the smaller ‘Dwarf’ types are Dutch grown, the larger and more popular varieties are all produced here in the U.K. within a radius of only ten miles from our warehouse.

Our ‘Daffs’ are just as perfect for planting en masse for great swathes of yellow as they are for planting in small groups, in pots or even growing for cut flowers to have in the house.

Daffodil and Narcissus planting time

Daffodil and Narcissus bulb planting time is generally in the months of late September, all of October and November, they can even be planted as late as December. It is recommended to plant the daffodil bulbs when you receive them but they will store for many weeks as long as good ventilation and air circulation is provided.

Naturalising Daffodils and Narcissi

Successfully naturalised daffodil or narcissi can bloom for up to 30 or even 50 years! First, choose an area with good drainage and sunlight. An area where grass can be left unmown until the daffodil foliage has died back is ideal. For a natural effect, throw a handful of bulbs to the ground and just plant them where they land.

Daffodil Classification

Daffodil cultivars are classified by their size, colour and shape. There are 12 different divisions;

Division 1 - Trumpet (Long Cupped) Daffodils One flower to a stem, corona (trumpet) as long as, or longer than the perianth segments (petals).

Division 2 - Large-Cupped Daffodils One flower to a stem, corona (cup) more than one-third but less than equal to the length of the perianth segments (petals).

Division 3 - Small-Cupped Daffodils One flower to a stem, corona (cup) not more than one-third the length of the perianth segments (petals).

Division 4 - Double Daffodils One or more flowers to a stem, with doubling of the perianth segments of both.

Division 5 - Triandrus Daffodils Usually two or more pendant flowers to a stem, perianth segments are reflexed.

Division 6 - Cyclamineus Daffodils Usually one flower to a stem, perianth segments reflexed, flower at an acute angle to the stem, with a very short neck.

Division 7 - Jonquilla Daffodils Usually one to three heads to a stem, leaves narrow, perianth segments spreading not reflexed. Flowers fragrant.

Division 8 - Tazetta Daffodils Usually three to twenty flowers to a stout stem, leaves broad. perianth segments spreading not reflexed. Flowers fragrant.

Division 9 - Poeticus Daffodils Usually one flower to a stem; perianth segments pure white; corona usually disc shaped, usually with green or yellow center and a red rim, flowers fragrant.

Division 10 – Species, Wild Variants and Wild Hybrids All species and wild or reputedly wild variants and hybrids, including those with double flowers.

Division 11 - Split-Cupped Corona split rather than lobed, usually for more than half its length.

Division 12 - Miscellaneous Daffodils Daffodils not falling into any one of the foregoing divisions.