Daffodil Delights
Daffodils are a beloved choice for the home, offering a cheerful burst of colour that signals the arrival of spring. Their vibrant yellow petals evoke feelings of renewal and optimism, bringing a fresh, uplifting energy to any space. Here are some of my ideas on how to use Daffodils in your home...
Consider dotting potted daffodils in various spots around the house on windowsills, near a well-lit corner or on bookshelves or mantels, they thrive in sunny spots. This simple addition can make a big impact in brightening up these areas. Try adding moss on top of the soil to enhance the organic look and keep the moisture in.
Buy terracotta pots in all sizes with their trays to create visual interest or vintage planters here.
Cut fresh daffodils and place them in clear bud vases, mason jars, or vintage pitchers and add them to dark nooks to brighten them up.
Use daffodils as a centrepiece for dining in vintage dessert glasses with packed moss or on coffee tables. You can mix them with other spring flowers like tulips or hyacinths, or keep them simple for a clean, fresh look. Adding blossom branches like forsythia and prunus will lead to an overall more impactful arrangement.
To add a welcoming touch to your home, place potted daffodils by the front door or entryway or in outdoor window boxes, It’s a wonderful way to frame your home and make it feel more inviting whilst filling the space with a wonderful scent.
An idea to help keep your Daffodils from drooping is to incorporate plant stakes to your pots around the far edge of the rim and tie with a lovely ribbon. You may have a handy ribbon stash at home or my favourite Fraser tartan ones come from here.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Every year, I grow a dozen or so varieties for cutting and I find it difficult to extract them from the garden. I love tête-à-tête dwarf narcissus for their delicateness and scent and unusual varieties in peach like 'Apricot Whirl'. For huge, incredible ruffles and double petals, 'Boaz' or 'Irene Copeland' do the trick and 'Chromacolour' for their salmon trumpets.
I try to stagger blooming, for example, crisp-white Thalia blooms in early Spring whilst Pheasant's Eye is one of the last. My favourite bulb supplier is Farmer Gracy each order comes with clear instructions in plastic-free packaging.
For Outdoor Planting
The best time to plant daffodils outdoors is in the Autumn — typically between September and November. Planting in the Autumn allows the bulbs to establish roots before the ground freezes, ensuring they bloom beautifully in the spring. Choose a sunny or partially sunny spot with well-drained soil, and plant the bulbs about 3-4 inches deep for the best results. A good planter hand tool and gardening kneeling pads are essential for the task.
For Indoor Potted Daffodils
If you're planting daffodils indoors in pots, it’s best to plant them about 6-8 weeks before you want them to bloom. For a spring display, plant the bulbs in late winter (January or February). Use a well-draining potting mix, and plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing upward, leaving the top of the bulb slightly exposed. Keep the pots in a cool, dark spot for a few weeks to encourage root.
Read Martha Stewart's top tips on the best method for planting beautiful blooms.