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All About: Daffodils (Narcissus & Such)

Daffodils are one of the earliest flowers to bloom, as they defy the last of winter’s chill! As part of the narcissus family (along with paperwhites) these flowers contain a toxic compound called lycorine, which makes them unpalatable to deer, rodents, and other animals. Known for its bitter taste and mildly toxic properties, ingesting large quantities of lycorine can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Animals typically avoid consuming daffodils due to the bitter taste and potential toxicity, therefore, some gardeners and farmers strategically plant daffodils among other flowers or crops to deter animals from grazing or damaging their gardens. In addition to their lack of digestive appeal, their toxins can also be dangerous to other cut flowers that take in the toxin, therefore they cannot always be used in fresh cut floral designs.


Poets daffodils growing in our backyard
Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

Continue reading to learn more interesting facts such as their origin, how to grow and cultivate them, how to care for them as a cut flower and additional fun information from the perspective of a florist (aka me :). Scroll to the bottom to find some links that lead to locally grown flowers in the Springfield area, resources for additional eduction and flower related products I use and love.


Name and Origin


Daffodils and narcissus belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are native to Europe and North Africa. The names "daffodils" and "narcissus" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same group of flowers, but there is a slight distinction between the two terms. In botanical terms, "narcissus" is the genus name for a group of flowering plants in the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes various species commonly known as daffodils. Therefore, all daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus. The term "daffodil" typically refers to specific types of narcissus plants that have a central trumpet-shaped corona (the cup) surrounded by petals (the perianth). However, not all narcissus flowers have this classic daffodil shape. Some narcissus varieties have different flower structures, such as multiple flowers per stem, and may not fit the typical daffodil appearance.

Therefore, all daffodils are narcissus flowers, not all narcissus flowers are daffodils. Daffodils are a specific type of narcissus characterized by their classic trumpet-shaped blooms.


Both terms, "daffodil" and "narcissus" are derived from Greek. According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a young man who fell in love with his own reflection and a flower sprang up from the spot where he died- deemed a "narcissus". Daffodils, on the other hand, get their name from the Greek word "asphodel," which refers to a different type of flower symbolizing death and mourning. It's odd that such beautiful, bright flowers we adore as the first signs of life in the springtime both have dark origins, don't you think?


Growing and Cultivating


Daffodils and narcissus thrive in Missouri's climate and are relatively easy to grow. Here's how to cultivate them in your Midwest garden:

  • Choose a well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients. Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

  • Daffodils grow from bulbs, which should be planted with their pointed ends facing upwards. Water the bulbs after planting and continue to water them regularly, especially during dry spells.

  • Once the foliage emerges, daffodils require minimal maintenance. Water them regularly and provide them with plenty of sunlight. They typically bloom from March to May in Missouri.

  • Daffodils are perennial plants, meaning they will return year after year with proper care. After they finish blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally before cutting it back.

When Are They Ready to Be Harvested?

For the longest vase life, it's best to harvest daffodil and narcissus blooms when the buds are still closed but showing color. This stage ensures that the flowers will continue to open fully after cutting, providing you with the longest possible vase life.


Daffodils as Cut Flowers


Daffodils and narcissus are popular flower requests for floral arrangements due to their vibrant colors and fun shapes. However, as a florist I have to be careful in designing with these guys since they secrete toxins that kill other flowers. For those that LOVE these flowers and must have them in their home, I recommend a "market" style design, a vase full of flowers consisting of only narcissus varieties.


Proper care for these guys is pertinent to their lifespan. Ideally, the stems should be trimmed (use these clippers) at an angle and immediately placed into cool, clean water in a clean vase or 3.5 gallon bucket (3.5 is usually perfect height for narcissus stems). To maximize the amount of time you get to enjoy your blooms, I recommend trimming the stems at an angle, dipping them in this hydrating solution, then placing them into cool, clean water in a clean vase or bucket with good quality flower food mixed in. It's important to change the water frequently to keep bacteria growth at bay. I recommend changing it about every two days. Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, away from windows, heaters, AC vents and fans. Give the stems a fresh trim every three or four days to reopen their vessels and encourage them to drink more- if they begin to wilt you can use the hydration solution again and they may perk back up for a bit. In my experience, typical vase life for these guys is about 3-5 days when properly cared for.


Animal lovers beware- ALL NARCISSUS FLOWERS are unfortunately poisonous to your pets. While dogs usually can't reach your treasured vase of flowers, your kitchen-counter-loving kitties might get sick if they eat these blooms.


Lots to Love About Daffodils and Narcissus


While I've already given you some great reasons to love these flowers (if you don't already), here's a few of my favorite colors and varieties to fully convince you. There are literally thousands of narcissus varieties, each with its unique characteristics, including flower shape, size, color, and blooming time.  The exact number of narcissus varieties is difficult to determine due to the ongoing development of new cultivars and the existence of numerous species. To see several stunning varieties in addition to these, check out Floret Flowers' amazing flower library, as they have lots more beautiful photos of these blooms.


Replete Narcissus Photo by Floret Flowers
Ice King Narcissus Photo by Floret Flowers














Where to find local flowers around Springfield, Missouri:

For enjoyment and education visit…

For flower farms, gardens and greenhouses you can purchase from (or also just enjoy) visit/contact…


LINKS to floral and garden products I LOVE:


LINKS to my SPRING ESSENTIALS:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you use my recommended links to purchase products, I receive a percentage of commissions! I will never recommend products simply to sell, I will always recommend products I love/want and products I use. Thank you!


Some of my favorite general resources on local flowers and gardening:

Missouri Flower Exchange

Rooted Farmers

Missouri Dept of Conservation 

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Christian County Master Gardeners 

Missouri Invasive Plant Council 


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