Daffodil Narcissus 'Viking' (1)
ABOUT
The Daffodil 'Viking' is well-known for its strikingly beautiful flowers which are typically in bloom during the springtime. The blossoms of the 'Viking' showcase a vibrant, golden-yellow hue that instantly attracts the eye. Each flower is composed of a central trumpet-shaped corona that is surrounded by a wreath of six petal-like structures, known traditionally as the perianth segments. The corona itself has a slightly ruffled appearance and can sometimes exhibit a slightly different shade or a gradient of color, which adds depth and character to the flower’s overall look. The foliage of the 'Viking' Daffodil is also quite elegant, with slender, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from the base of the stem. These leaves have a rich green color that contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow of the flowers. The leaves tend to arch gracefully, framing the blossoms and adding to the plant’s visual appeal. Overall, the 'Viking' presents an image of sunny cheerfulness and is often associated with the arrival of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Viking Daffodil, Viking Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Viking'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the variety 'Viking', contains alkaloids such as lycorine. Ingesting any part of the daffodil can lead to symptoms that often include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, daffodil poisoning may also result in cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and convulsions. It is important to seek medical advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, such as cats, dogs, and horses. The alkaloids present, particularly lycorine, can cause symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart problems, and even tremors and convulsions if consumed in large enough quantities. It's crucial to prevent pets from accessing these plants and to contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: The Narcissus 'Viking', commonly known as the Daffodil, adds beauty to gardens with its bright, cheerful flowers.
- Easy to grow: It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant, suitable for many gardeners, from beginners to experts.
- Spring blooming: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial plant, Daffodils return each year, making them a cost-effective addition to the garden.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils are capable of naturalizing, meaning they can spread and multiply in suitable conditions, creating larger displays over time.
- Pest resistance: Daffodils are typically deer and rodent resistant, making them a great choice for gardens in areas with wildlife.
- Versatility: These plants can thrive in a range of environments, from borders to containers, and they complement many garden designs.
- Cut flowers: Daffodils can be cut and used in floral arrangements where they will often last for an extended period in a vase.
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 'Viking' flowers are often used in cut flower arrangements for their bright colors and sweet fragrance, providing a touch of spring indoors.
- Fragrance Extraction: The scent of Narcissus 'Viking' can be captured and used as a base for perfumes and scented oils.
- Garden Borders: Plant them in borders alongside other spring-blooming flowers to create a dramatic seasonal display in gardens and public parks.
- Photography Prop: Their vibrant blooms make Narcissus 'Viking' an excellent subject for floral photography and art.
- Wedding Decor: Due to their elegant appearance and association with new beginnings, they are often included in wedding bouquets and table settings.
- Festivals and Celebrations: In some cultures, the flowers may be used during spring festivals to symbolize rebirth or used to decorate altars and banquet halls.
- Eco-friendly Dye: The petals of Narcissus 'Viking' can be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics and crafts.
- Floral Water: Petals can be soaked in water to create a lightly scented floral water for freshening linens and rooms.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in horticultural classes to teach students about bulb growth cycles and plant propagation.
- Pressing and Crafts: Narcissus 'Viking' flowers are ideal for pressing and can be used to create bookmarks, greeting cards, and other crafts.
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 often blooms in early spring, making it a symbol of the renewal and the promise of new life.
- Self-Love: The name "Narcissus" is linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection, leading to it being associated with self-love and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, particularly when it blooms during the Lunar New Year.
- Hope: Its ability to thrive in the late winter months positions it as a symbol of hope in dark times, as it often heralds the coming spring.
WaterFor the Daffodil 'Viking', water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, typically about once a week during the growing season. Adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions; more often if it's very hot or windy, and less during rainy or cold periods. Ideally, use about one gallon of water per square yard every time you water, ensuring even moisture penetration. During dormant periods, usually in the late fall and winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant requires less moisture. It's crucial not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, including 'Viking', perform best in full sunlight to partial shade. A spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal for their growth and flowering. They can tolerate some light shade, but too much can cause them to grow leggy and affect blooming. Plant them in an area free from the shade of large trees or buildings for optimal light exposure.
TemperatureDaffodils like 'Viking' prefer a temperate climate with a range between 50°F and 70°F for active growth and flowering. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F and summer highs up to 90°F. Planting them in fall allows them to experience the cool temperatures needed to instigate spring blooming. The ideal growing conditions are in regions with cool springs and moderately warm summers.
PruningPruning Daffodils like 'Viking' mainly involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed production, which can divert energy from the bulb. After blooming, cut just below the flower head, leaving the stem and foliage intact. This allows the plant to continue photosynthesizing and nourishing the bulb. Completely remove foliage only after it has turned yellow and died back naturally, usually about six weeks after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Viking' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand will provide good growth conditions. The ideal soil pH for Daffodils is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingDaffodils 'Viking' typically do not need to be repotted often if planted in the ground, but container-grown bulbs should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Viking' prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated. They do not require high humidity and can tolerate the ambient outdoor humidity levels in most regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodils in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Viking', commonly known as a type of Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the autumn before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant in the cool winter months, storing energy for growth. In early spring, the bulb sprouts, sending up green shoots and leaves, followed by a central stalk that bears a single large, often fragrant flower, characterized by its trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of petals. After blooming, the plant focuses energy on photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. The foliage eventually dies back to the ground in late spring or early summer, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy throughout the hot summer months. The cycle restarts with the next autumn planting, allowing the daffodil to emerge and bloom year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Viking', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb. These offsets are miniature bulbs that form at the base of the parent bulb. Plant the offsets at a depth of about 6 inches (roughly 15 centimeters), spaced 3 to 6 inches (approximately 7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart, in well-drained soil. Water the newly planted bulbs well, and they should begin to grow the following spring. This method allows each bulb to grow into an independent plant that will flower in a few years.
