focal · moderate · budget
Daffodil
Narcissus · aka narcissus, jonquil
The daffodil is the first widely-recognised flower of spring — a fresh, uncomplicated shape carrying powerful cultural associations across Europe (Wales' national flower, Easter and new beginnings). Critical warning: daffodils secrete a sap that poisons other flowers in shared water; always condition alone first, then combine without recutting.
At a glance
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Europe; commercially grown Netherlands, UK, Israel |
| Peak season | February, March, April |
| Availability | January to May |
| Stem length | 30–50 cm |
| Vase life | 5–10 days |
| Colors | white, cream, yellow, orange, bicolor |
| Price tier | budget |
Conditioning
CRITICAL: after cutting, stand daffodils alone in cool water for 6+ hours before combining with other flowers. Their sap poisons the vase water for other flowers.
Care in the vase
- •DAFFODIL SAP KILLS OTHER FLOWERS — condition alone for 6+ hours first
- •Do not recut once combined with other flowers
- •Paperwhite has legendary winter-forced fragrance
- •First flower of spring in most European traditions
