While the classic daffodil flower is yellow and composed of a cup (or corona) that is framed by petals (or strictly speaking, tepals), differences between daffodils abound. They come in various shades of white, cream, orange and pink – some have no yellow at all. Others are especially fragrant and some have a more obvious cup than others. A flower might be elongated into a fine tube, short and squat, frilly or ruffled or split. Size varies, too. Las Vegas daffodils can grow 12 cm wide, while Baby Boomers only get to less than one-third of that.

Loading

These smaller daffodils are perfect for containers where you can plant more densely than the generally advised five to 10 cm spacing to maximise impact. You can also buy potted daffodils at this time of year.

While daffodils are not classic houseplant material, they can be brought inside, for a brief time, when in flower. But it’s hard to meet their temperature and lighting needs in a heated home – the bulbs will first need a lengthy cold spell outdoors, in order to set roots and stimulate flowering.

Another indoor option is cut daffodils. Always choose ones that are in bud rather than full bloom to ensure they last. The stems exude a sap that can spoil other flowers, but if you soak them for about an hour on their own first you can use them in mixed arrangements. Then, as with all cut flowers, change the water every two to three days.

If you have daffodils growing and prefer to keep the flowers on the plant, be sure to remove the flowering stem once the bloom is spent, so the bulb can conserve energy for next year. The foliage, however, though should be left to yellow, so the bulb can gather nutrients for next season’s flowers.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.