Flower Library
Daffodils
Narcissus · Amaryllidaceae
Daffodils are the visual spring anchor. Yellow with orange-red core, later white and bicolour varieties. Season February to April — seeing them, you know spring is coming.
- Season
- February – March – April
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Narcissus
- Colors
- Yellow, White, Apricot, Orange-cored, Bicolour
Important property: daffodils release sap when cut that's toxic to other flowers. To mix, let daffodils 'bleed out' in their own vase for 24 hours, then combine.
Classic 'Yellow Cheerfulness' or the small dense 'Tete-a-Tete' are best-known. Double varieties ('Bridal Crown') feel generous and are popular for weddings.
The stem is hollow and bends easily. For an upright bouquet combine with sturdier varieties — or accept the organic bend.
Symbolically in Italy given on International Women's Day (March 8), in Germany rather as a spring bouquet for mothers and grandmothers.
Is Daffodils toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain the alkaloid lycorine, the bulb most of all. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, in larger amounts also cardiac and respiratory issues. The sap is irritating too. Keep out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and increased salivation, in larger amounts also cardiac and respiratory issues; the sap irritates skin and mucous membranes.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stem straight (not at an angle), keep alone in vase or 'bleed out' for 24 h.
- 02Water shallow (4–6 cm), change every 2 days.
- 03Keep cool, plenty of light but no direct sun.
- 04For mixed bouquets: only combine with others after 24 h of bleeding.
- 05Caution: sap is skin-irritating for sensitive people.
Frequently asked
- Why can't I mix daffodils with tulips directly?
- Daffodil sap contains compounds that wilt other flowers prematurely — tulips especially react. First 24 h in a separate vase, then they're mixable.
- How long do daffodils last?
- 5–8 days in the vase. Very fresh stock from German greenhouses up to 10 days. Potted (with bulb) lasts longer.
- Are daffodils toxic?
- Yes — all plant parts are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Especially the bulb. Use caution in pet households.
- What do daffodils mean as a gift?
- Daffodils symbolise new beginnings, hope and spring. As a bouquet they're a warm gesture at the start of the season — in Germany often for mothers and grandmothers, in Italy for Women's Day.