Daffodils
Nothing heralds spring quite like Daffodils, and now is the time to find these cheery flowers in shops around Ireland. Why not pick-up a bunch of the bright, yellow flowers locally grown, indicated by the Bord Bia Quality Mark on the label.
Synonymous with spring, daffodils are a simple and inexpensive way to add a pop of colour to living spaces. They are also a thoughtful way to spread some cheer by gifting to others. While there is little preparation required to arrange daffodils, here are some simple ways to keep them fresher for longer at home:
5 top tips for flourishing daffodils
- Buy as ‘pencils’: When shopping, purchase daffodils when the buds are still closed, and resemble pencils. Once trimmed and placed in water, the flowers will open within 24 hours.
- Keep separate: Daffodils do not mix very well with other flowers due to mucilage released by cut daffodil stems. The slimy mucilage blocks the uptake of water by the other cut flower stems, while the sugars and polysaccharides hasten the growth of bacteria, fundi and mould. If a mixed arrangement is preferred, it is recommended to soak the daffodils overnight in cool water to draw some of the substance out so that they will be less troublesome!
- Use less water: Daffodils will last longer when placed in shallow water that is replenished more often. Make sure to use room temperature rather than cold water too.
- Refresh and repeat: Every two to three days, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle and change the water to make the flowers last longer.
- Keep cool: Daffodils don’t like a lot of heat so place in cooler areas of your home.
Daffodil Growers
Ireland has five commercial daffodil growers around the country who plant over 20 million bulbs across more than 354 acres of land each year. An incredible 51 million daffodil stems are harvested every spring between mid-February and mid-April by these specialised growers. By purchasing locally grown daffodils during the spring season, consumers in Ireland can support the horticulture industry.
