Daffodil Flower History

Daffodil, or botanically Narcissus, is March's celebrated flower.  Daffodils are the mark of spring and usually known by white or yellow petals surrounding a yellow, pink or white center.   There are thousands of hybrid varieties in as many combinations of colors that also include orange or peach and lime green blossoms of three to four inches in diameter.   Most daffodil flowers are fragrant, and some even appear in early winter.

Narcissus is named after the character from Greek mythology who was said to have been so in love with his own reflection that he was turned into a flower.   It is said that these flowers appear to face downward because Narcissus refused to look up from his own image reflected in the stream where he became frozen and withered in time.  

Consequently, daffodils are the foremost symbol of conceit and egotism.   They have also come to mark formality, good fortune, chivalry and respect.  Daffodils are the national flower of Wales and have become the stuff of legends, forever preserved in poems by William Wordsworth, Oscar Wilde, and other greats.

Daffodil bulbs are used extensively in landscaping because they are quick to naturalize and deter animal pests from more scrumptious flowerbed or garden delicacies.   Bulbs and leaves produce toxic crystals that rodents and deer don't like.  In fact, this poison will wilt other flowers placed in display alongside daffodils unless cut stems are treated -- soaked in a separate container for around six hours before the bouquet is built.   Florists store daffodils in exclusive buckets until needed, thereby "curing" the problem.

Daffodil flowers are fairly simple to grow and care for.  After planting bulbs in partial sun under a few inches of soil, water them and feed with a 5-10-10 fertilizer or composted manure.   Deadhead for continual blossoms, and allow foliage to yellow before cutting it back.  This will allow the daffodil bulb to refuel for the next growing season, so you can give your loved one a beautiful birthday bouquet of daffodils for years to come.