Daffodils are a sure sign that it’s spring! These cheerful flowers are very distinct with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup or trumpet-shaped corona. The most common colors available in the market are white and yellow (also orange and pink in garden varieties) with either uniform or contrasting colored tepals and corona. Daffodils require special attention to get the best performance, but with the right care and handling, they are a wonderful addition to your spring flower assortment.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Could be Toxic to Other Flowers.
Solutions:
Cut Daffodils can exude substances that when transferred to other cut flowers through common holding solutions can result in reduced vase life of other cut flowers. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid mixing Daffodils with other flowers. Some publications recommend placing freshly cut Daffodil flowers into a separate holding bucket for at least 6 hours. They claim that later, Daffodil flowers can be placed with other cut flowers in arrangements or together in vase solution with no reduction in flower life for other flowers.
Problem:
Prone to Mechanical/Physical Damage.
Solutions:
Stems and blooms are very delicate. Handle with care, especially during transportation and merchandising. Buds should be in "pencil" (pointing straight up) or "gooseneck" stage when purchasing.
Problem:
Upward bending.
Solutions:
Daffodils will bend upwards away from gravity if laid flat. This issue can be avoided by storing or shipping Daffodils vertical or upright.
Need to Know: Daffodils Helpful Hints
Keep them Fresh!
- Although Daffodils have a low sensitivity to ethylene, senescence may be promoted by the exposure to high levels of ethylene. Pre-treat with an ethylene action-inhibitor products such as EthylBloc™ during storage and transportation or FloraLife® EthylGuard* (STS) at farm level to protect Daffodils in an ethylene challenged environment.
- Cooler / storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C
- Daffodils can be sold at retail dry and without a sleeve. However, for best performance, temperatures should be kept as low as possible. Research shows that they perform well if sold at 5°C. If wet packed at store level, it is best to use FloraLife® Bulb 100*.
- Processing recommendations at retail: Daffodil flowers emit a toxic substance when cut that is harmful to other flowers. Process daffodils in a separate bucket, away from other flowers. When purchasing, buds should be in pencil or 'gooseneck' stage. Look for uniform maturity and color. Stems should be free from damage or disease. Daffodils are best stored dry and upright in containers that allow good airflow and faster cooling.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers (packets): FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300*.
Performance
- Daffodils have an average vase life of 5-7 days.
- Opening speed is dependent on the temperature they are exposed to. The warmer the temperature the faster they will open. Sometimes Daffodils do not open. This is mostly due to storing them for too long or to improper growing conditions and/or harvest stage. Inspect when receiving and follow processing recommendations carefully to be sure product performs.
- If designing in foam use a lower density foam like OASIS® Springtime for easier stem insertion. Always cut at a sharp angle before inserting into foam. Create designs as close to event as possible. Check water levels of foam periodically to be sure flowers stay hydrated.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch or FloraLife® Crowning Glory* spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- FIFO (First in First Out) inventory rotation is always our recommendation, so stems are as fresh as possible for consumer and they enjoy their flowers for the maximum vase life. Daffodils can be stored at 34°F, 1°C and 75-85% humidity for up to 2 weeks in cold storage as long as the cold chain is strictly followed.
Have questions or need more info.? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representative to schedule an in-person consultation for expert advice!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.