What’s the Difference? Narcissus, Daffodils, Tazettas, Paperwhites
What's the deal with all these names? Let's dive into the world of blooms and figure out what makes each of these unique.
Narcissus: The Mythical Heartthrob
Alright, so Narcissus is the OG of spring flowers. Its the name for the genus that includes all daffodils. (If we look one step above narcissus — we’re looking at the Amaryllis family.) You've probably heard the story of the guy who was way too into himself and ended up staring at his own reflection until he turned into a flower. Yeah, that's Narcissus for you. They come in all sorts of colors, from bright whites to sunny yellows and oranges.
Daffodils: Spring's Wake-Up Call
Daffodils fall under the genus narcissus. Most people use the terms “narcissus” and “daffodil” interchangeably. Daffodils show up early to the spring party, flaunting their vibrant colors and sturdy stems like they own the place. Picture this: six petals, a trumpet-shaped center, and a whole lot of cheerfulness. That's a daffodil for you. When provided with proper cooling and growing environments, daffodils can be forced to bloom in time for Valentine’s Day.
‘Pink Charm’ daffodils
Tazettas (jonquils): Fancy, Fragrant, and Fabulous
Tazettas, or jonquils, are like the fancy cousins of daffodils. They’re another genus of narcissus. They're all about that sweet fragrance and delicate look. You'll find them rocking multiple flowers on one stem, with slender petals and a cute little center.
‘Martinette’ jonquils
Paperwhites: Winter's Surprise
While everyone else is hibernating during winter, Paperwhites decide to crash the party. These guys bloom indoors when it's cold outside, filling your space with delicate flowers and a hint of spring vibes. They're easy to grow in containers, and you don't need to fuss too much with them. Just give them some light and water, and they'll do their thing. They have already achieved enough cooling to get started early. Paperwhites can be grown to bloom in time for Christmas when provided with an indoor growing space at room temperature. While paperwhites are tazettas with multiple flowers per stem, many other tazettas cannot be forced to bloom as early as paperwhites. Paperwhites grown in South America provide North American growers with the best chance to achieve Christmas flowers.
Getting to Know the Gang:
So, what's the deal with all these flowers? Well, each one brings its own flavor to the table. Narcissus is the family name for the whole group. Daffodils are the loud and proud heralds of spring. Tazettas are the fancy ones with multiple flowers and a sweet scent. And paperwhites are special tazettas that bring a bit of sunshine to your winter blues.
Tips for Success:
For those seeking to cultivate these daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites in their own gardens or indoor spaces, a few tips can help ensure success and maximize the beauty of these enchanting blooms:
Choose the Right Location: Select a site with well-draining soil and ample sunlight for optimal growth and bloom production.
Planting Depth: When planting bulbs, ensure they are positioned at the appropriate depth, typically around three times the height of the bulb.
Watering and Maintenance: Provide regular watering during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers to the plant to re-stock it’s bulb with energy for the next season.
Overwintering: In regions with harsh winters, consider mulching the soil to protect bulbs from freezing temperatures and frost heave. Most narcissus grown for cut flower production have good cold hardiness, typically down to USDA zone 3.
Indoor Forcing: To enjoy the beauty of narcissus like daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites indoors during the winter months, plant bulbs in containers filled with well-draining potting mix and place them in a cool, bright location. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot. Ensure that each variety receives the appropriate amount of cooling. Give narcissus (other than pre-cooled bulbs) about 16 weeks of cooling prior to forcing.
Daffodils growing in hydroponic cultivation at our flower farm. Daffodils may be forced in soil or hydroponically for blooms that arrive earlier than the natural outdoor season.
So, there you have it! Narcissus, daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites might sound like a mouthful, but they're really just a bunch of cool flowers with their own stories to tell. Whether you're into mythology, spring vibes, sweet scents, or winter surprises, there's a bloom out there for you. So go ahead, embrace the flower power and let nature do its thing. Daffodils are great perennials, and they are deer resistant, too!
Interested in growing a beautiful collection of cut flower narcissus? We have bulbs in wholesale quantities in our shop. Bulbs are listed each spring in March and April for pre-orders. Available stock is open until claimed- we often have options for late orders throughout the summer and fall. Daffodil bulbs are shipped to customers in the fall.
Have a question? Share your thoughts below and an Ampersand Bulb Co. team member will be in touch with you soon!
-The Team at Amperpsand Bulb Co.