Daffodil Narcissus 'Goldfinger' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Goldfinger' is a cheerful spring-blooming flower widely recognized for its distinctive appearance. This plant produces striking blooms, each consisting of a central cup or trumpet surrounded by a ring of larger petals. The central cup is a deep, vivid yellow, resembling a miniature funnel with a slightly frilled edge. Around this central trumpet, the larger petals extend outward like a star, creating an eye-catching contrast. These petals are of the same intense yellow, giving the flower a harmonious, sunny aspect that is easy to spot in the garden. The foliage is slender and strap-like, a fresh green color that complements the bright blooms and provides a lovely backdrop for the flowers to stand out even more. The appearance of the Narcissus 'Goldfinger' announces the arrival of spring and brings a burst of warmth to the landscape with its golden-yellow hues.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Goldfinger'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil toxicity to humans is primarily due to the presence of alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms if ingested. Consumption of any part of the daffodil can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other possible effects include abdominal pain and possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression in severe cases.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, with all parts of the plant containing alkaloids that can cause poisoning. If ingested, a pet may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even more severe reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias or convulsions. +#+#+#+#+#+The most severe consequences could potentially be fatal if a large enough quantity is consumed and treatment is not received promptly.
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- Easy to Grow: Narcissus 'Goldfinger', commonly known as Daffodil, is known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Blooms: It produces bright, cheerful flowers in early spring, helping to add color to the garden after winter.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, it will return year after year, offering long-term enjoyment without the need for replanting.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils require minimal care once established, making them a low-effort choice for sustained beauty.
- Pest Resistance: They are naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting the health of the local ecosystem.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Narcissus plants are typically avoided by deer and rodents, making them well-suited for areas where these animals are present.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Daffodils can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and as cut flowers.
- Naturalizing Effect: They have the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, creating a beautiful swath of color with little additional effort.
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: The Goldfinger daffodil, with its bright yellow blooms, is often used in cut flower arrangements, bringing a splash of spring color to indoor settings.
- Wedding Decor: The vibrant and cheerful appearance of the Goldfinger daffodil makes it a popular choice for spring wedding bouquets and decorations.
- Photography: The distinct look of the Goldfinger daffodil, especially when in full bloom, provides an excellent subject for botanical photography and art.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The petals of the Goldfinger daffodil may be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding varying shades of yellow.
- Symbolic Gifts: Representing rebirth and new beginnings, Goldfinger daffodils are often given as gifts during celebrations of significant life events.
- Garden Borders: Daffodils, like Goldfinger, are frequently planted in garden borders due to their height and striking color, creating a vivid edge around garden beds.
- Companion Planting: Goldfinger daffodils can be planted alongside other spring bulbs to discourage rodents, as many pests tend to avoid daffodils.
- Creative Crafts: Dried Goldfinger daffodil petals can be used in crafting, such as in making homemade paper or potpourri.
- Cultural Festivals: The Goldfinger daffodil can be a central feature in cultural festivals, particularly those celebrating spring, due to its seasonality and eye-catching hue.
- Teaching Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant life cycles, bulb growth, and the seasonality of flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'Goldfinger', or daffodil, blooms in early spring, making it a symbol of renewal and the coming of a new season.
- Unrequited Love: Taking inspiration from the Greek myth of Narcissus, the daffodil can also symbolize one-sided, unreturned love.
- Self-Esteem: The name "Narcissus" is linked to the concept of self-love and self-obsession, reflecting a sense of self-esteem or conversely, narcissism.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils represent wealth and good fortune, especially when they bloom during the Lunar New Year.
- Respect: The daffodil commands respect for its bright beauty and its standing in many communities as a herald of spring.
- Inspiration: The daffodil's bright petals are often associated with creativity and inspiration in the arts.
WaterFor the Daffodil 'Goldfinger', it is essential to maintain consistent moisture in the soil without overwatering. Typically, you should water these plants once a week with about 1 inch of water, which translates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. The actual frequency may vary depending on climate and weather conditions; more watering may be needed in especially hot or dry weather. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots, but take care not to let the bulbs sit in waterlogged soil as this can cause rot.
LightDaffodil 'Goldfinger' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The optimal spot for these plants is a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They are adaptable, but for the best growth and flower production, ensure they have plenty of light throughout the growing season.
TemperatureDaffodils, including 'Goldfinger', prefer temperate conditions and are hardy in a range of climates. They can tolerate winter cold and can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F; however, they do best when the temperature does not exceed 75°F. The ideal temperature for these plants is between 50°F and 60°F.
PruningPruning Daffodil 'Goldfinger' is generally limited to removing spent flower heads and yellowing foliage once it has died back naturally. Trimming off the flowers once they fade encourages bulb strength but leave the foliage until it has turned yellow and withers, which is usually 6 weeks after blooming. This process allows the plant to gather energy for the next year's growth.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like 'Goldfinger' prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A rich, loamy soil with added organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, will provide the nutrients these flowers need to thrive. For potted daffodils, a mix of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Goldfinger', typically do not need to be repotted frequently. They can remain in the same spot or container for several years. Repotting is usually done after 3-5 years or when you notice a decline in flowering, which indicates that the bulbs have become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'Goldfinger' are quite tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. Average room humidity is generally acceptable for these plants, so there is no need for any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full or partial sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Narcissus 'Goldfinger' is Daffodil 'Goldfinger'. Initially, the daffodil's lifecycle begins with a dormant bulb which, under the right conditions of cool temperatures and shorter days, begins to sprout in late winter to early spring. The plant produces long, narrow leaves and a central flower stalk, which eventually bears a single, bright-yellow bloom, characteristic of the 'Goldfinger' variety. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, during which it stores energy in the bulb for the next year's growth. Once the leaves yellow and wither, the daffodil goes into dormancy during the summer months. Finally, the cycle repeats each year, with the bulb producing new foliage and flowers annually, and the plant may also reproduce through division or seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Goldfinger', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs. This should be done when the foliage has died back, typically in late summer to fall. The process involves carefully digging up the clump of bulbs and gently separating them by hand. Each offset or bulb should have a portion of the base plate to ensure they can grow into a new plant. After separating, the bulbs can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) with the pointy end facing up. They should be spaced about 3 to 6 inches (roughly 7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It's a simple and effective way to increase your daffodil display and encourage healthy blooming in the following spring.
