Daffodil Narcissus 'Golden Rapture' (1)
ABOUT
Golden Rapture is a variety of daffodil known for its distinctive blooms that grace gardens in the spring. The flowers of Golden Rapture have a charmingly radiant appearance, captivating onlookers with their bright yellow hue. Each bloom presents with a large, trumpet-shaped corona that is significantly elongated and pronounced, surrounded by a star-shaped array of perianth segments that spread elegantly to form a backdrop to the central trumpet. The corona itself often has a slight frill at its mouth, adding to the flower's ornamental appeal. The blooms are borne atop sturdy, upright stems that emerge from the bulb below, and the stems are adorned with slender, strap-like leaves. These leaves are a deep, rich green, providing a lush contrast to the cheerful yellow of the blooms. In clusters, Golden Rapture daffodils create a sea of gold, delivering waves of color that can brighten any garden space. The overall effect of these plants when in bloom is a dazzling display of golden-yellow flowers that shimmer with a sense of warmth and joy characteristic of the early spring season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Golden Rapture'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, specifically the Narcissus 'Golden Rapture', is considered poisonous to humans if ingested. The entire plant contains toxic alkaloids, but the bulbs are more toxic than the leaves and stems. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more severe reactions like tremors, heart problems, and even seizures. Ingesting any part of the daffodil should be avoided to prevent these harmful outcomes.
To pets
Daffodil, including the Narcissus 'Golden Rapture' variety, is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the daffodil, especially the bulb, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and in severe cases, convulsions or a drop in blood pressure. If a pet consumes daffodil, immediate veterinary attention is recommended due to its potentially serious health risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0-1 feet (0-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Eye-catching Display: The 'Golden Rapture' daffodil offers a stunning visual with its bright yellow blooms, adding vibrancy to any garden.
- Ease of Care: Daffodils are low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Spring Bloom: They are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing early color to the garden when most other plants are still dormant.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can naturalize, meaning they spread and return year after year, creating a self-sustaining display.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: These plants are generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife.
- Attracts Pollinators: Daffodils attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the pollination of crops and other garden plants.
- Longevity: They are known for having a long blooming period compared to other spring bulbs, providing enjoyment for several weeks.
- Versatile Planting: Daffodils can be planted in borders, pots, or as cut flowers in vases for indoor decoration.
- Symbolic Flower: Often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, daffodils are perfect for celebratory gardens or as a symbol of spring.
- Propagates Easily: Over time, daffodils can be divided and replanted to increase the number of blooms and spread them throughout the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut flower arrangements: Narcissus 'Golden Rapture', also known as daffodil, can be used to make vibrant and long-lasting cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of spring to any interior space.
- Photography subject: Due to its stunning appearance, the daffodil is often used by photographers seeking to capture the essence of spring in their work.
- Garden competitions: Gardeners might cultivate Narcissus 'Golden Rapture' for entry into garden competitions due to its striking golden petals and strong visual appeal.
- Educational plant biology: Daffodils can be used to teach students about plant biology, including bulb growth and flower anatomy.
- Fragrance extraction: Although not commonly practiced, the scent of daffodils like Narcissus 'Golden Rapture' can be used in the production of perfumes and scented products.
- A symbol of awareness: The daffodil is associated with cancer charities, especially for fundraising during cancer awareness campaigns.
- Natural dye: The petals of daffodils contain pigments that, hypothetically, could be used for natural dyeing of fabrics or inks.
- Ecosystem support: Daffodils can be planted to help support local ecosystems, providing early spring nourishment for pollinators such as bees.
- Cultural events: Daffodils are often used in festivals and cultural events that celebrate spring, such as parades or garden shows.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use daffodils as a subject or as inspiration for artworks including paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
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 and New Beginnings: Narcissus 'Golden Rapture', commonly known as Daffodil, blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of a new life cycle.
- Self-esteem and Vanity: The name "Narcissus" comes from Greek mythology, where a young man named Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, leading the flower to also symbolize self-love and an overabundance of self-esteem.
- Hope and Rebirth: Because they are some of the first flowers to emerge after winter, daffodils also signify hope and the promise of a fresh start.
- Prosperity: The bright, golden bloom of the 'Golden Rapture' variant is often associated with wealth, good fortune, and success.
- Unrequited Love: In certain traditions, daffodils can represent unrequited love, stemming from the myth of Narcissus who was unable to leave the love of his own reflection.
WaterThe Daffodil 'Golden Rapture' should be watered deeply to ensure water reaches the roots, especially after planting and during active growth. Water them once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During the growing season, if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week, supplemental watering is necessary. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back. Always ensure the soil drains well to prevent bulb rot.
LightDaffodil 'Golden Rapture' thrives in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is an area that gets morning sun and is shaded from the intense heat of late afternoon, which can be especially beneficial in hotter regions.
TemperatureDaffodil 'Golden Rapture' can survive winter temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit but grow best when daytime temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a brief period of temperatures above this range but prolonged heat can be detrimental to the plant's growth and blooming.
PruningPruning Daffodil 'Golden Rapture' is not required for the health of the plant but removing spent flower heads can promote a tidy appearance. Prune the foliage only after it has yellowed and died back naturally, typically 6 to 8 weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand is ideal for Narcissus 'Golden Rapture'.
RepottingDaffodils typically do not need to be repotted often; repot them every 2 to 3 years or when you notice overcrowding in the pot.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils are fairly adaptable but prefer moderate humidity levels, avoiding excessively dry or moist air, which is common in most indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in fall; full sun to part shade; well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycle'Golden Rapture' daffodil begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in the ground, typically in the fall before the ground freezes. The bulb goes through a period of dormancy during the winter months, which is necessary for chilling to initiate spring growth. With the onset of warmer temperatures and spring conditions, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots that develop into stems and leaves. The plant soon produces its iconic yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, typically emerging in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the daffodil directs energy into storing nutrients in the bulb for the next season, as the leaves photosynthesize before dying back in late spring or early summer. The bulb enters a period of dormancy again throughout the summer and fall until the cycle restarts with the next temperature drop.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Golden Rapture', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to early fall, after the leaves have died back and the plant is dormant. Gardeners should carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets, which are the small bulbs that form at the base of the mother bulb. These offsets can then be replanted immediately at a depth about three times their height, which usually equals approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters). This ensures the newly planted bulbs have enough time to establish their roots before the onset of winter. After planting, it is important to water the bulbs well to encourage root growth. This method of bulb division allows for the natural increase of daffodil clumps and ensures a display of blooms in the spring.
