INDISPENSABLE DAFFODILS

From Longfield Gardens:  www.longfield-gardens.com

September 3, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- In life some questions loom larger than others. Certainly, for gardeners, one of the biggies worth working out this time of year borders on the cosmic:

Does the concept “too many daffodils” exist?

Seriously: can one ever have enough daffodils? Daffodils are more than fabulous. They’re indispensable.

Planted in fall, daffodils (aka Narcissi) are among the most famous of spring-blooming flower bulbs for good reason. Their bright jaunty flowers provide big color in gardens and landscapes just as winter weather wanes and spring’s lion- or lamb-like breezes blow in. Different types bloom at different times, offering waves of color for weeks on end, spanning the period from early spring to late.

When the first daffs arrive in spring, it’s time to dig out the flip flops, even if it’s not yet time to wear them.

Fall is the time to plant daffodils and other narcissus bulbs. For gardeners, the joy starts early, for choosing what to buy and plant is part of the fun. Choose different types for different looks and to create a staggered spring season bloom schedule.

“When picking out daffodils, the classic trumpet types are a good place to start -- they’re must haves for that archetypal  ‘big yellow’ look” says Hans Langeveld of Longfield-Gardens.com, an online plant retailer known for quality flower bulbs and bare root perennials.  “Our Large-Cupped Trumpet Collection is a tremendous value. Or choose by individual variety. Trumpet daffodils come in crisp solids or mixed colors including yellows, whites, oranges, reds, even peachy-pinks and greens.”

How to choose from such plenty? “First fall in love with the look, then organize your favorites by their specific bloom times in early, mid or late mid-spring,” says Langeveld.

“You can plant more each fall to have different types blooming in sequence for weeks. Plus, narcissi are perennials and will naturalize when planted in full sun and soil that drains well. This makes narcissi a sound investment: they’ll come back to bloom, year after year, and even multiply over time.”

This kind of staying power is a major bonus for gardeners. Also narcissus bulbs and plants are pest-resistant. Deer, squirrels, voles, groundhogs and other foraging fiends don’t eat them.

Once temperatures drop in fall, it’s time to plant daffodils and other spring-blooming flower bulbs, says Langeveld. “Typically, once sweaters come out, it’s time to plant. This fall, if local conditions are unusually hot and dry, perhaps plant a bit later than usual so the soil has had sufficient time to cool off.”