Daffodil Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' is a striking ornamental flower known for its vibrant yellow blooms. The plant bears mesmerizing double flowers, which means the blooms are full of extra petals, creating a lush, ruffled aesthetic reminiscent of a rosette. These plentiful petals are a brilliant golden yellow hue, imparting a cheerful and radiant presence in any garden setting. The flowers of the 'Golden Ducat' have a traditional daffodil shape, including a central trumpet-like structure which, in double-flowered varieties like this one, is often fringed with additional layers of petals. The central cup is surrounded by a star-shaped whorl of outer petals that frames the inflorescent display elegantly. This daffodil variant emits a fragrance that can be considered light and airy, adding another layer of sensory pleasure to its already delightful appearance. Each stem typically bears a single flower, which allows each individual bloom to take center stage and display its full glory. The foliage of the 'Golden Ducat' is also characteristic of daffodils, with slender, green, strap-like leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. These leaves can sometimes have a slightly bluish-green hue and serve as a lovely backdrop that accentuates the vivid yellow of the flowers. Resilient and eye-catching, Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' is a herald of spring, often one of the earliest flowers to bloom, signaling the end of winter with its sunny blossoms. Their aesthetic makes them a popular choice for gardens, cut flower arrangements, and as a part of festive spring displays.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Golden Ducat Daffodil, Double Daffodil, Golden Ducat Narcissus, Double Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Golden Ducat'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, specifically the Narcissus 'Golden Ducat', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and others that are found in the bulb, leaves, and flowers. The ingestion of any part of this plant can lead to daffodil poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, there may be cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and even coma, although such extreme reactions are rare.
To pets
The daffodil is also toxic to pets. If a pet consumes any part of the plant, they might show symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting large quantities can be fatal, especially if the bulb is eaten, as it contains the highest concentration of toxic substances.
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
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'Golden Ducat', commonly known as daffodil, offers vibrant yellow double blooms that add a cheerful and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are generally low-maintenance, adaptable, and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Spring Bloomer: It heralds the arrival of spring with its early flowering, often being one of the first plants to bloom in the season, providing a burst of color after winter.
- Perennial Nature: As a perennial, daffodils return year after year, multiplying and spreading in the garden, offering long-term value from a single planting.
- Pest Resistance: These flowers are resistant to most pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical interventions, making them an eco-friendly choice.
- Great for Cut Flowers: Daffodils are excellent for cutting and creating springtime floral arrangements, bringing indoor decoration possibilities.
- Naturalizing: They are capable of naturalizing, meaning they can spread and grow in a natural, uncontrolled way, eventually forming impressive drifts.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Daffodils can be planted in borders, beds, containers, and can also naturalize in lawns, demonstrating versatility in landscaping uses.
- Attracts Pollinators: Daffodils attract bees and other pollinating insects, playing a role in the health of your garden's ecosystem.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs are toxic to deer and rodents, deterring them from eating the plants and thus ensuring their growth and survival in areas with wildlife intrusion.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' can be used in cut flower arrangements, providing a vibrant pop of yellow and a delightful fragrance to any bouquet or floral design.
- Used as a natural pest repellent in gardens, the plant's scent is said to deter certain types of unwanted insects from damaging other plants.
- The bulbs can be forced indoors during winter months to brighten up the home with their cheerful blooms out of season.
- In some regions, the plant is used in symbolic celebrations of spring, representing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Daffodil festivals often feature Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' as a centerpiece due to its eye-catching double blooms.
- Artists and photographers often use these flowers as subjects in their work because of their distinctive appearance and the way they capture light.
- Educational resources sometimes use this plant to teach botanical and horticultural concepts due to its unique flowering and growth patterns.
- Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' can be planted in memory gardens, serving as a perennial reminder of loved ones passed.
- The plant is used in perfumery to capture the essence of springtime in fragrances and scented products.
- Some cultures use the flowers as part of traditional dress or in hair ornaments during special festivities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, the Narcissus 'Golden Ducat', also known as Daffodil, often symbolizes self-admiration and vanity.
- Rebirth: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the revival of life.
- Unrequited love: In some traditions, the Daffodil represents unrequited love, likely stemming from the story of Narcissus who loved only himself.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful bloom of the Daffodil is seen as a symbol of hope and encouragement.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Golden Ducat', should be watered thoroughly when planted and during active growth, generally once a week if there is no significant rainfall. While the plant is blooming, ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged by providing it with about one gallon of water per week for every ten square feet of bed. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the plant begins to go dormant. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the dormant period in summer, no additional watering is often needed unless the weather is exceptionally dry.
LightThe 'Golden Ducat' daffodil thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best planted in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. If the daffodil is planted under a deciduous tree, it can benefit from spring sun before the tree fully leafs out and provides moderate shade, which is suitable as the season warms.
TemperatureDaffodils, including 'Golden Ducat', prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy in a range of climates. They perform best when the temperature is between 50°F and 70°F. They are capable of withstanding winter temperatures down to about 15°F and can survive brief periods of colder temperatures as long as the ground is not frozen solid.
PruningPruning daffodils, including the 'Golden Ducat', involves deadheading the flowers once they have faded to conserve the plant's energy. You should not cut down the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, typically about six weeks after blooming. This allows the bulbs to store energy for the next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Golden Ducat', thrive in well-draining soil with rich organic matter. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sand or perlite generally works well. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Golden Ducat' typically do not need frequent repotting and are often left undisturbed for several years. They may be repotted if the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingNarcissus 'Golden Ducat', commonly known as daffodils, prefer average to slightly above average humidity levels but are quite adaptable. Ensure adequate air circulation without creating overly dry or excessively humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodils near bright window, water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, in well-draining soil, full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Golden Ducat', commonly known as Double Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer. In late summer to early autumn, roots start to develop, preparing the plant for its growth cycle. As temperatures cool in the fall, shoots begin to emerge from the bulb, continuing to develop throughout winter. By early spring, the Double Daffodil produces long, narrow leaves and a stout, central stem that bears the bright, double-layered, golden-yellow flowers. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves gather energy from the sun to recharge the bulb for the next cycle. Finally, as temperatures rise in late spring to early summer, the foliage dies back, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy until the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Narcissus 'Golden Ducat', commonly known as the Golden Ducat Daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing the bulbs, a process best done in late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully dig up the clusters of bulbs and gently separate them, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. Replant the bulbs at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, which is roughly 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and about 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 centimeters) apart. Watering them in well after planting is crucial to help establish the bulbs. Over the season, these bulbs will produce offsets that can be divided again in subsequent years, multiplying your stock of Golden Ducat Daffodils.
