Daffodils: A sign of spring

One of the first signs of spring each year is the emergence of the flowering bulbs so many of us plant in the fall. Typically, the first to emerge are the crocus, followed shortly after by grape hyacinths, common hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips. Currently, daffodils blooming here at the Pitt County Arboretum include ‘Ice Follies,’ ‘Minnow,’ ‘Fortissimo,’ and ‘Dutch Master’ in different gardens.

Daffodils are bulbous, cold-hardy perennials in the genus Narcissus, which encompasses several different species, many of which are native to Europe. In American gardens, daffodils are planted in the ground as bulbs in the fall, and foliage pokes through the ground at the first sign of warmth in the new year. A single flower stalk emerges amidst a tuft of long slender foliage from each bulb, with a trumpet-shaped bloom atop each stalk. Daffodil blooms typically have a flat, outer, non-reproductive part of the flower known as a perianth, with a cup-shaped corolla in its center. Flowers can be various shades and combinations of yellow and white.

‘Ice Follies,’ for example, has a pure-white perianth, with a ruffled yellow corolla. Flowers are approximately 4 inches wide, and sit on top of a 16 inch stalk. Many years ago, in an effort to give each garden at the Arboretum a unifying feature, a mass of ‘Ice Follies’ daffodils were planted in each individual garden.  

Top left: Daffodil flower and foliage. Photo: C. DeWitt,  CC BY 4.0    Top right:
‘Ice Follies’ has a pure-white perianth, with a ruffled yellow corolla at its center. Bottom left:  ‘Fortissimo’ has a golden yellow perianth  and a deep, stri-

king orange, frilly corolla. Plants grow to 18 inches tall. Middle right: ‘Minnow’ is half the height of ‘Ice Follies,’ and has a button-like center.  Bottom right: ‘Dutch Master’ is a classic, bright yellow trumpet daffodil, with a matching golden yellow perianth and corolla.

‘Minnow’ daffodil, planted in our Wildflower Garden, has flowers with a similar color-pattern, through the yellow corolla is a bit richer, and its shape resembles a small button rather than a wavy cup. ‘Minnow’ tops out at about 8-10 inches tall, half the height of the larger ‘Ice Follies’.

You’ll find both ‘Fortissimo’ and ‘Dutch Master’ in different sections within the Perennial Border. ‘Fortissimo’ is a commanding presence, with a golden yellow perianth and a deep, striking orange, frilly corolla. Plants grow to 18 inches tall. ‘Dutch Master’ may not stand out quite as much as ‘Fortissimo,’ but it is quite beautiful, with a matching golden yellow perianth and corolla.

Daffodils are relatively easy to care for, provided they are planted in an appropriate site. Full sun to partial shade, with well-drained acidic soil, is the ideal location. The bulbs can grow in shade as well, but flowering will be best in sunny locations. Fertilize at planting with bone meal or an alternative fertilizer high in phosphorus. In the spring, after blooming concludes, leave the wilting flower stalks attached as long as you can bare, so they feed nutrients back to the bulb. You may wish to mix daffodil plantings with daylilies or other later emerging perennials to disguise the dying foliage. Come next spring, the daffodils will help alert you that warm weather is just around the corner.

Matthew Stevens is the County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pitt County Center. If you have questions about this article or gardening in general, please contact the Pitt County Master Gardener Infoline at 252-902-1705.