Hello Spring, Hello Daffodils
Brightly coloured, perky petals and petals surrounded by a coloured trumpet, the Daffodil is an easily recognisable flower. Daffodils come in a variety of colours and shapes, from white, yellow, orange to pink, single and double petaled. Usually a spring flower, Daffodils generally start their season in winter and grow until early spring
Daffodil Symbolism and History
The humble Daffodil symbolises new beginnings and rebirth - just as spring symbolises new beginning and growth. Daffodils tend to grow just about anywhere - from fields to meadows and gardens. The daffodil has been cultivated and planted since the earliest of days and in the 16th century became an important commercial crop planted in The Netherlands.
The daffodil is celebrated and the symbol of a number of things - from the national flower of Wales to the symbol for cancer societies, the daffodil plays an important part in western and eastern cultures.
In New Zealand we celebrate Daffodil day on the 30th of August to help support and fund research into the causes and treatment of all types of cancer, providing a wide range of support services, education and awareness campaigns. If you would like to know more or wish to donate, please see here.
How to Care for Daffodils
Daffodils can last up to 4-6 days in a vase with proper care. You can follow these steps below to make sure you get the best out of your daffodils.
1) Find a clean vase and fill with cold water
2) Trim about 1 to 2 cm off the stems with an angled cut.
3) Place your daffodils in a cool space, avoiding direct sunlight, fruit bowls and hot rooms.
4) Change the water and recut the stems every two days
To keep your daffodils in top condition, make sure the sap is drained from your daffodils as they are toxic to other flowers. Ask your florist for more details