Daffodil Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child' (5)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child' is a captivating plant mainly recognized for its striking blooms. The flowers of 'Tuesday's Child' display a characteristic cup-and-saucer shape that is typical of the daffodil family. Each flower features a central trumpet-like corona that can come in vibrant colors, often in shades of a bright or pale yellow. Surrounding the corona are six petal-like structures known as the perianth segments which may be the same color as the corona or a contrasting hue. These petals are usually arranged in a star-like formation and may have a slightly ruffled edge, adding to the flower's ornate appearance. The daffodil's foliage is also distinct, with long, slender leaves that grow from the base of the stem. These leaves are usually a deep green color, and they have a slightly fleshy texture with a linear to strap-shaped appearance. The leaves often grow in a clump and can add a lush backdrop to the vibrant floral display above. As a bulbous plant, Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child' emerges from an underground bulb each year, which is a storage organ that helps the plant survive through periods when it's not in growth phase, such as winter. The plant is cultivated for its attractive and cheerful flowers, which are a welcome sight in gardens and often herald the arrival of spring. Despite the exclusion of size-related terms, 'Tuesday's Child' typically maintains a balanced and proportionate structure that is well-suited for ornamental use in garden borders, flower beds or as a cut flower for indoor arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child'
ToxicityTo humans
'Tuesday's Child' is a variety of daffodil, which is known to be toxic if ingested. All parts of the daffodil contain lycorine and other alkaloids, primarily in the bulb, but also in the leaves and flowers. Ingestion of the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, tremors, convulsions, and even death if a significant enough quantity is consumed.
To pets
Daffodils, including the 'Tuesday's Child' variety, are toxic to pets. Consumption of any part of the plant, but particularly the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, and potentially severe cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting a large amount of the plant material can be fatal for pets, so it is important to seek veterinary care immediately if a pet is suspected of consuming daffodils.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child' adds visual interest to gardens with its bright and attractive flowers.
- Easy to Grow - This variety of daffodil is known for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardening beginners.
- Spring Bloomer - As a spring-blooming plant, it provides early-season color when many other plants are not yet in flower.
- Naturalizing - The Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child' tends to naturalize, meaning it can spread and multiply, creating more extensive and impressive displays over time.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance - Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the need for protective measures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daffodil bulbs can be used as a replacement for onions in cooking. However, it's crucial to note that they can be toxic if not prepared properly.
- Crushed daffodil bulbs mixed with glue create a natural mouse repellent, as mice are deterred by the scent.
- Daffodil flowers can be pressed and used in decorative arts for creating unique designs on paper or fabric.
- The sap from daffodil stems is used in traditional crafts to bind natural fibers when making baskets or mats.
- Daffodil plants can be used for dye extraction; the flowers, particularly the yellow varieties, can yield a range of yellow and orange hues.
- The strong scent of daffodils is used in aromatherapy to create an uplifting and invigorating atmosphere.
- Daffodil flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a long-lasting natural fragrance.
- During the Victorian era, daffodil flower extracts were used as a scent for perfumes and scented oils.
- Symbolic uses include incorporating daffodils in floral arrangements to convey messages of unrequited love, as they are associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus.
- Daffodils are used in gardening to design natural pest control barriers; their toxicity keeps away rodents and deer.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The common name for Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child' is Daffodil. Daffodils are associated with self-love, due to the Greek myth of Narcissus who was so enamored with his own reflection that he turned into the flower.
- Renewal: Daffodils symbolize renewal and the coming of spring, as they are often among the first flowers to bloom.
- New Beginnings: Their emergence after a long winter makes them a symbol of new beginnings and rebirth.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils represent good fortune and prosperity, possibly because their yellow color can be reminiscent of gold.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful appearance of the daffodil is frequently seen as a symbol of hope and optimism.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Tuesday's Child', generally prefer consistent moisture during their growing season, especially in the spring. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one to two inches of water each time. Once the daffodils have finished blooming and the foliage has begun to die back, you can reduce watering as they enter a dormant period. During active growth, if there is no rainfall, they may need a total of about a gallon of water per square foot every week. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils need full sun to partial shade to thrive. They are best planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade conditions, as this can reduce blooming and weaken the bulbs over time. The ideal location for 'Tuesday's Child' daffodils could be in a flower bed that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureDaffodils do well in a range of temperatures and are quite cold-hardy, able to survive in temperatures as low as 20°F. They can tolerate the winter cold and they require a period of cold in order to bloom properly. 'Tuesday's Child' daffodils flourish in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F during their growing season. It is best to plant them in areas where they can experience the seasonal temperature variations necessary for their growth cycle.
PruningPruning daffodils typically involves removing spent flower heads, also known as deadheading, to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. However, it is crucial not to cut back the foliage until it has completely yellowed and died back naturally, usually six weeks after blooming. This allows the plant to store energy in the bulb for the next flowering season. Pruning 'Tuesday's Child' is best done immediately after flowers fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils require well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, sand, and compost is ideal to provide nutrients and proper drainage.
RepottingDaffodils generally do not need to be repotted often. They should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils prefer average humidity conditions and do not require high humidity. They are quite adaptable to the typical humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place bulbs in well-draining soil, bright light, and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full to partial sun, and provide good drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Tuesday's Child' begins its life cycle as a bulb, dormant underground during the winter months. In early spring, the bulb initiates growth, sending up slender green leaves and a central stalk that eventually bears a single flower. After blossoming, which typically occurs in late winter to early spring, the flower is pollinated, potentially setting seeds if conditions permit. Following pollination, the flower fades, and the plant directs energy into replenishing the bulb for the next cycle. Throughout the summer, the foliage carries out photosynthesis and stores nutrients before eventually dying back to the ground in late spring or early summer. The bulb then re-enters dormancy, resting until the following spring when the cycle starts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Tuesday's Child', commonly referred to as daffodil, is typically propagated through division of bulbs. The most favorable time to propagate daffodils is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have gone dormant. To divide daffodil bulbs, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them by hand. Each bulb that has developed a complete basal plate can be replanted to grow into a new plant. When replanting, it's crucial to place the bulbs at a depth roughly three times their height and space them approximately 3 to 6 inches apart (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters). This method is simple and effective, making it the most popular way to propagate daffodils for both amateur and experienced gardeners.
