Daffodil Narcissus 'Arctic Gold' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', commonly known as the Daffodil, is a striking perennial flower known for its vibrant coloration and delightful form. The plant blooms in early to mid-spring, bearing flowers that are characterized by a bright yellow hue. Each bloom features a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals. The corona is often a deeper, more intense shade of yellow compared to the tepals, creating a beautiful contrast, which makes the flower stand out in a garden setting. The tepals are oblong and slightly back-curved, adding to the overall gracefulness of the flower. The foliage of the Daffodil 'Arctic Gold' comprises long, slender, and dark green leaves that grow in a clump and provide an attractive backdrop for the luminous blooms. The visual appeal of this Daffodil variety makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to infuse their space with a splash of sunny color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Arctic Gold Daffodil, Arctic Gold Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Arctic Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as daffodil, which includes Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and others that can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, or even respiratory depression. Handling the bulb may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
The daffodil, including Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It contains compounds that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb of the plant is the most poisonous part and if ingested in large amounts, it can be potentially fatal to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', commonly known as Daffodil, draws bees and other pollinating insects to the garden, which helps fertilize plants and increases biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known for their ease of care, being able to thrive with minimal attention once established.
- Long Blooming: They have a long flowering period in the spring, which can brighten up gardens for several weeks.
- Cold Tolerant: As the name suggests, 'Arctic Gold' is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Deer Resistant: The plants are not palatable to deer, which helps to prevent them from being eaten by wildlife.
- Perennial Growth: These daffodils are perennial, meaning they will return year after year without needing to be replanted.
- Landscaping: Due to their bright color and attractive form, they are great for adding aesthetic appeal to landscaping projects.
- Bulb Multiplication: Over time, daffodil bulbs naturally divide and propagate, which can lead to an increase in the number of plants without additional costs.
- Easy Propagation: They can be easily propagated by dividing bulbs, making it simple to share with others or expand the garden's display.
- Spring Indicator: Daffodils are often one of the first plants to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and providing an early splash of color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The petals of the daffodil can be used to produce a dye for fabrics, offering a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Floral art and design: Daffodil flowers are popular in the art of floral arrangements, as their vibrant yellow color can add a pop of springtime cheer to any design.
- Seasonal celebrations: Daffodils are often associated with spring festivals and celebrations such as Easter, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Garden pest repellent: Daffodils can be planted around vegetable gardens as they are believed to deter certain garden pests due to their toxicity.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of daffodils, especially in large quantities, makes them a favorite subject for photographers, especially in natural landscape settings.
- Companion planting: Gardeners may use daffodils in companion planting to help protect other flowers, as their toxic sap may deter animals and insects from eating nearby plants.
- Educational tool: Daffodils can be used in educational programs about plant biology, including discussions on perennial life cycles and bulb growth.
- Fragrance extraction: Although not common, the scent of daffodils can be extracted and used in perfumery to create unique floral fragrances.
- Bioindicator species: Daffodils can be used as bioindicators to study the impact of environmental changes, such as climate change, on flowering times and plant behavior.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried daffodil petals can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations, reducing the environmental impact.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, often blooms around springtime, symbolizing the end of winter and the advent of new growth and opportunities.
- Unrequited Love: Stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, the daffodil can represent self-love and the idea of being enamored with one's own reflection, leading to love that is not returned.
- Hope and Encouragement: Daffodils, with their bright and cheerful appearance, are often seen as a sign of hope, encouraging individuals to move forward and leave past worries behind.
- Vanity: In alignment with the narcissistic traits of the mythological character, the daffodil can symbolize excessive self-involvement or vanity.
- Prosperity: Due to their lush, vibrant growth, daffodils are also associated with wealth and success, making them a positive symbol in many cultures.
- Respect and Regard: In some traditions, giving daffodils as a gift is a way to show respect and high regard for the recipient.
WaterDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', generally prefer consistent moisture during their growing season, but they should not be overwatered. Water them thoroughly once a week with about one inch of water. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back. During dormancy in summer, daffodils require very little to no additional watering unless it's particularly dry. It's crucial to have well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', thrive in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for them is where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hot climates, but too much shade can impede their flowering.
TemperatureNarcissus 'Arctic Gold' daffodils prefer moderate temperatures and can generally withstand USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 5°F and are comfortable in spring weather up to 65°F. For optimal growth, the ideal temperature range for these daffodils is between 50°F and 60°F.
PruningPruning Narcissus 'Arctic Gold' daffodils involves removing spent flower heads after blooming to prevent seed formation which can reduce next year's blooms. Do not cut the foliage until it has turned yellow and died back naturally, typically about six weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to gather energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe daffodil 'Arctic Gold' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two-thirds loamy soil and one-third compost or well-rotted manure, with a bit of sand added for drainage, is ideal.
RepottingDaffodils such as 'Arctic Gold' do not need to be repotted often; repotting every 3-5 years is usually sufficient unless the bulbs become overcrowded.
Humidity & Misting'Arctic Gold' daffodils prefer moderate humidity conditions, but they can tolerate a range of humidity levels as long as they are not in standing water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist soil for indoor daffodils.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/partial shade, in well-drained soil during fall.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe daffodil 'Arctic Gold' emerges in early spring as green shoots from underground bulbs, which have been dormant during the winter. Leaves expand to photosynthesize and fuel the growth of the stem and the flower bud. By late spring, the characteristic yellow blooms open, often in clusters, providing bright floral displays. After pollination, which can be by insects or self-pollination, the flowers fade and seed pods may form, although many gardeners deadhead to encourage bulb strength. Throughout the summer, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, with energy stored in the bulb for the next season. As temperatures drop in autumn, the plant remains dormant underground until the cycle recommences the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Arctic Gold', commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated by division after the blooming period, which is usually in the late spring to early summer. The most popular method of propagation is dividing the bulb clusters. You would carefully dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back, gently separate the clumps of bulbs by hand, and replant them immediately at a depth approximately double the height of the bulb, which is about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). It's essential to space the bulbs about 6 inches (15 cm) apart to ensure they have adequate room to grow. This division allows the bulbs to rejuvenate and bloom with renewed vigor in the following seasons.
