How to choose the best daffodils
Daffodils are mainly native to the Mediterranean region, preferring good drainage and a sunny spot. Over the years, breeding has resulted in over 25,000 different cultivars being created and a classification system of 13 different daffodil divisions being set up. These vary from large cup daffodils to double daffodils and cover a whole host of colours from yellow and orange to white and even pink!
If you want a daffodil flower to look like a daffodil, then the trumpet types are for you. 'King Alfred' is a classic heritage yellow, bold and beautiful - still with a trumpet - but small and dainty in cream and yellow, this one is excellent for naturalising in grass. For the sweetest scents, some of the miniature daffodils can't be beaten - 'Minnow' is delicious as is 'Hawera'. Meanwhile, the double 'Erlicheer' will take your breath away. Plant alongside hyacinths for a real punch of perfume!
Which are the first daffodils to flower?
We may associate daffodils with March but Narcissus ‘Cornish Treglisson’ can be in flower from late January.
Are daffodils suitable for containers?
All daffodils can be grown in containers and combine beautifully with other spring flowers such as wallflowers or early tulips. For small containers or window boxes, the miniature varieties are ideal. Try ‘Josina Elisabeth’, or for scented blooms, choose ‘Sun Disc’ or 'Maria Geertruida’.
Are all daffodils yellow?
Daffodils come in a variety of different colours ranging from pure white, such as ‘Cornish Niveth’, through pale lemon, such as ‘Mr Vain’ to sunshine yellow, like ‘Golden King’. Trumpets vary from salmon pink to deep yellow and orange.
