15 interesting facts about daffodils and narcissus

Daffodils, also known as narcissus, are one of the first flowers to signal the arrival of spring in the UK. Loved for their bright colour and easy growing nature, they also carry a rich history and symbolism that many people are unaware of.

1.    Daffodils were brought to Britain by the Romans

The Romans believed that the daffodil sap would heal wounds. In fact, the opposite is true. Daffodil sap contains sharp crystals to deter animals from eating the flower. This actually irritates the skin rather than heals it.

2.    Daffodils are named after a Greek myth

A nymph called Echo fell in love with a Greek named Narcissus, who told her to leave him alone. She lived alone, heartbroken. Nemesis, the God of Revenge, heard the sad story and lured Narcissus to a pool. He was so distracted by his handsome reflection that he fell into the pool and drowned. Afterwards, he turned into the flower.

3.    Daffodils are the birth flower for March

As they are one of the first signs that spring has arrived, it makes sense that these beautiful flowers represent the first month of the season.

4.    Always present daffodils in a bunch

Legend says daffodils are associated with cheerfulness. When they are presented to someone as a bunch, it is meant to provide happiness. However, if they are only given as a single flower, it is meant to mean misfortune.

5.    Daffodils symbolise new beginnings and friendships

Daffodils are said to symbolise friendship but also new beginnings. They are one of the first signs of Spring and are also strongly associated with Easter for this reason.

6.    Daffodils are meaningful across the world

In China, the daffodil symbolises good fortune, and they are the official Chinese New Year symbol. In Japan, the daffodil means joy, and in France, they are a sign of hope.

7.    A daffodil field can bloom for decades

If the conditions are right, a successful daffodil field can bloom for up to 50 years. They need an area with good drainage and sunlight. They also like areas where the grass can be left unmown, which is why hillsides and open spaces are popular daffodil spots.

8.    Daffodils should usually be planted in Autumn

From late September to early November is the ideal time to plant the bulbs, as they need 12 weeks of cold weather to get them ready to bloom.

9.    Daffodils are used to celebrate 10th Anniversaries

Daffodils, along with tin, are known as the traditional gifts to celebrate a decade of marriage. It is now, however, a more modern choice to celebrate with diamond jewellery instead of tin.

10.    Daffodils are the National Flower of Wales

Daffodils have become a National Emblem of Wales alongside the leek. They are traditionally worn on St David's Day as this tends to be the time of year when daffodils start to appear.

11.    Don't mix daffodils with other flowers in a vase

Daffodils release latex from their stems once they are cut, which can shorten the life of other flowers. Although it's best to keep them separate, if you use special bulb food or soak the daffodils alone for 12 hours before, they can be used alongside other flowers.

12.    Daffodils are known to have medicinal properties

Although unsupervised ingestion of daffodils can be fatal, modern medicine has used extracts from the flower to treat Alzheimer's disease.

13.    There are many different types of daffodils

This topic is regularly debated; however, it is said there could be as many as 200 different species of daffodil.

14.    Daffodil bulbs can be poisonous to animals

Squirrels won't eat daffodils for this reason. And you should make sure you plant your daffodil bulbs where cats and dogs won't be able to dig them up easily.

15.    Daffodils are easy to grow

If you have the correct soil and conditions, daffodils are relatively easy to grow and are suited to the British climate. This makes them a great choice for beginner gardeners.

If you need more advice on daffodils and how to care for them, visit our advice page, or please contact us. Boston Bulbs Wholesale is a privately - owned business with over 35 years' experience of importing only the finest quality horticultural products throughout Europe and from farmers and growers all over the UK. Whether you're a landscaper, nursery, local authority, wholesaler, retailer, private business or individual gardener, just give us a call on 01775 769 333 for help with flower bulbs, grass seed and more.