Daffodil Narcissus 'Dickcissel' (7)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Dickcissel' is a charming flowering plant commonly known as Daffodil. It is characterized by its eye-catching flowers that typically bloom during the spring season. The flowers of this variety have a central trumpet-shaped corona that's exquisitely frilled and often a vivid lemon-yellow hue. This corona is surrounded by a ring of larger, petal-like segments, sometimes referred to as the perianth, which are usually a lighter shade, often soft yellow or cream. The contrast between the intense-colored corona and the paler perianth is striking, making 'Dickcissel' a standout in any garden. These daffodils have a cheerful appearance, with their flowers facing upwards or slightly angled outwards, as if they're earnestly soaking in the sunshine. Each stem commonly bears a single flower, but occasionally there might be more, creating a fuller, lusher display. The petals and the trumpet of 'Dickcissel' feature clean and precise lines, giving the bloom a neat, almost architectural look. The foliage of this daffodil is slender and long, forming a backdrop of linear green blades that further accentuate the beauty of the blossoms. Overall, the appearance of Narcissus 'Dickcissel' is one that signals the arrival of Spring, with its lively colors and graceful, upright form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Dickcissel'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Daffodil is considered toxic to humans. The entire plant, especially the bulb, contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Contact with the sap may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it may lead to serious gastrointestinal issues, cardiac problems, and even death. Pet owners should ensure that their animals do not have access to daffodils to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Narcissus 'Dickcissel' adds bright, cheerful colors to the garden, particularly in late winter and early spring when other plants are not in bloom.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is known for being easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Narcissus 'Dickcissel' is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Naturalizing: The plant has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and reproduce on its own, creating a more abundant display over time.
- Pest Resistance: The Narcissus 'Dickcissel' is resistant to many common garden pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Narcissus 'Dickcissel' is unpalatable to deer and rodents, providing a reliable blooming display even in areas where these animals are a problem.
- Seasonal Interest: They mark the change of seasons with their flowering, signaling the end of winter and the start of spring.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Dickcissel', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in fabric dyeing. The flowers can be used to create varying shades of yellow and green on fabrics.
- These daffodils can be pressed and included in floral art and crafts, providing a sunny, spring-like feel to homemade cards and bookmarks.
- The bulbs can serve as a pest repellent in the garden; planting daffodils around vegetable patches may help deter rodents and deer.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, contributing a pleasant aroma and bits of color.
- Narcissus 'Dickcissel' can be used as a learning tool in schools for plant growth and development studies due to its distinct flowering stages.
- They can be used as a natural dye in artistic works, for coloring papers and textiles to achieve a unique, organic look.
- In areas where permitted, these daffodils can be used in edible flower arrangements, although they should be consumed with caution as they can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
- The stalks can be weaved or braided to create small, biodegradable garden structures or decorative accents.
- Daffodil's strong scent can be used to make naturally scented sachets for drawers and closets.
- The flowers can be used in photography projects due to their distinctive shape and color, serving as an excellent subject for macro photography experiments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Narcissus (also known as Daffodil) typically blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of new beginnings and rebirth.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to emerge from the cold ground, the Narcissus represents hope and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Self-love: Stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower can symbolize self-esteem and the love of one’s beauty.
- Vanity: On the flip side of self-love, Narcissus can also represent excessive self-love to the point of vanity and egotism, again reflecting the Greek myth.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune due to its rich, golden color and its tendency to multiply and "prosper" in the garden.
- Uncertainty: The Narcissus' head often hangs to one side, leading it to also symbolize uncertainty or introspection.
- Respect: In some traditions, giving someone a bunch of daffodils is said to ensure happiness and express deep respect for that person.
WaterDaffodils should be watered thoroughly at planting and then given about an inch of water per week during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as daffodils prefer well-draining conditions. In general, you may need to water every few days, especially if the weather is particularly dry or hot. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back. Water with the equivalent of 1 gallon per square yard every week or adjust as needed based on rainfall and soil conditions.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade. For the best growth and flower production, place them in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A location that gets morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is ideal, especially in areas with hot summers.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F to highs around 75°F. They prefer cooler conditions and bloom best when nighttime temperatures are between 40°F and 50°F. While daffodils can survive brief periods of colder or warmer weather, prolonged exposure outside their comfort range can impact their health and blooming.
PruningDaffodils require minimal pruning. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done soon after the blooms fade to prevent seed pod formation and encourage resources to go back into the bulb. However, allow the foliage to remain until it turns yellow and withers, usually about six weeks after flowering, as this is when the plant is storing energy for next year's bloom. Pruning back foliage too soon can weaken the bulb.
CleaningNot needed
SoilNarcissus 'Dickcissel', commonly known as daffodil, thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix is a combination of loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. To further enhance the soil structure, adding perlite or vermiculite can help maintain the necessary aeration and moisture levels for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodils (Narcissus 'Dickcissel') typically do not require frequent repotting as they are usually grown from bulbs that prefer to be undisturbed. They should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, which is generally every 3-5 years. The best time for repotting is after the foliage has died back but before the new growth period begins.
Humidity & MistingThe daffodil, specifically the Narcissus 'Dickcissel', prefers average home humidity levels. It does not require high humidity to thrive; therefore, regular room humidity around 40-50% is typically adequate for this plant. Additional humidity control is usually unnecessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall; full sun to part shade; well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Dickcissel', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, planted in the cool fall months, where it lies dormant until the early signs of spring. During the onset of spring, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into sturdy stems and leaves, gaining nutrients and energy through photosynthesis. This is followed by the emergence of the characteristic flower, often a bright yellow, with a central trumpet-like corona surrounded by six floral leaves. After blooming, which occurs in late winter to early spring, the flowers last for several weeks before wilting. The plant then enters a phase of energy accumulation, where the leaves photosynthesize to replenish the bulb's energy reserves for the next season before they die back in late spring or early summer. Finally, the bulb enters dormancy again through the summer and fall until the next growth cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Dickcissel', commonly known as the daffodil, is primarily propagated through division, a straightforward method that involves separating the bulb clusters after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or fall. Gardeners often dig up the bulbs, gently pulling apart the offsets, which are smaller bulbs attached to the mother bulb, and then replanting them immediately. Each offset can develop into an independent plant, blooming within one or two growing seasons if given proper care. This method ensures a true replica of the parent plant, preserving its unique characteristics. It's a simple and efficient way to expand and rejuvenate your daffodil beds, ensuring dynamic displays each spring.
