History

• While the daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring and is consequently linked with feelings of hope, the flowers themselves are poisonous, and the plant has long been associated with death. In Latin, the daffodil is known as the narcissus, in honor of the Greek god who loved his own image. According to legend, one spring day, Narcissus was admiring at his reflection in a local river. When he leaned in to get a better look at himself, he lost his footing, fell into the water and drowned. The gods planted daffodils along the riverbank as a tribute to him.
  
  

Characteristics

• While there are many types of daffodils, the most familiar plant bears a vibrant yellow blossom featuring a large trumpet and cup. This classic flower grows from a hardy perennial bulb. Gardeners often plant daffodils in groups, but even when they don't, the bulbs spread so readily that within a few years time, they often cover entire lawns in blankets of bright yellow. The plants vary in height from about 14 inches to 20 inches tall. The sturdy green stems bear two to three sweetly fragrant blossoms that fill the yard with perfume and make excellent cut flowers.
  
  

Planting

• Daffodils do well when planted in sunny sites and well-drained soils. In general, plant the bulbs so that the bottom of each bulb sits at a depth that is three times the size of the diameter of the tuber. Plant daffodils deeper in sandy soils and shallower in heavy soil. If daffodils are not set at the proper depth, the bulbs will fail to bloom, or the plants will produce weak-stemmed flowers that droop to the ground. Plant the bulbs in groups of 10 or more to enhance the appearance of mixed borders, woodland settings, rock gardens and meadows.
  
  

Care

• To encourage the production of offsets, remove spent flowers as soon as they fade. The daffodil's energy is then channeled into forming large bulbs, rather than into setting seeds. While it may be tempting to cut back the foliage once the flowers are gone, do not remove the leaves until they begin to turn yellow; green leaves nourish the bulb and next season's flower buds. Also, do not braid the leaves to keep them under control. Braiding reduces the surface area of the leaves and subsequently reduces the amount of sunlight the plant receives, which hinders bulb development and leads to stunted growth.