Narcissa and daffodils - what is the difference ?
Narcissus vs. Daffodils - What's the Difference?
Daffodils and narcissus are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but do they really mean the same thing? While both terms refer to popular spring flowers, there are some differences between them. In this article, we will explain the difference between daffodils and narcissus and how to properly care for these plants.
Daffodils — what flowers are these?
Daffodils (Narcissus) are a genus of bulbous plants belonging to the amaryllis family. They are distinguished by their beautiful, characteristic scent and charming, bell-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, white and orange. Daffodils bloom in early spring and are easy to grow, which makes them popular both in gardens and in pots. They require a sunny or semi-shady position and permeable, moist soil. A special species is “Narcissus jonquilla”, or daffodil. Its flowers are exceptionally fragrant, and the leaves are narrower than those of other daffodils. Daffodils have shorter stems and are more resistant to different weather conditions.
Narcissus and daffodils - the difference
Although the daffodil is one of the species of narcissus, it has specific features. The main difference between daffodils and jonquils is the form and structure of the flowers. Daffodils have intensely yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers with a distinct, large corolla, which is their characteristic element. Daffodils can have a variety of colors and shapes, while daffodils are usually uniformly yellow. It is also worth mentioning that daffodils are more popular in Poland, which often results in these terms being used interchangeably.
This is what daffodils look like:
This is what daffodils look like:
How to care for daffodils and narcissus?
Daffodils and narcissus are easy to grow, but they do have some requirements that are worth meeting to enjoy their abundant flowering. Both plants prefer sunny or slightly shaded locations and permeable, moist soil. Regular watering during the growth and flowering period is key, especially during dry spring periods. After flowering, it is worth leaving the leaves to dry naturally, which allows the plant to store energy for the next season. It is also worth remembering to fertilize the plants with fertilizers rich in potassium. It is best to plan planting daffodil and narcissus bulbs in the fall, so that they have time to take root before winter.