Narcissus ‘Spring Sunshine’

Features

  • Fragrant
  • Toxic

Description

One of the first varieties to flower, this fairy-like bloomer is the epitome of early spring, and everyone who sees it falls in love. Multiple flowers are clustered on each stem, giving off a sweet fragrance. Pale lemon-yellow outer petals reflex to frame a perfectly golden throat, softening to canary-yellow. Although the stems are short, they stretch as the flowers open, practically doubling in height while carefree blooms nod and dance in the landscape. This long-lasting variety ages well and is weather-resistant; a perfect contender for small bottles on the windowsill!

Please note: When cut, daffodils and narcissus emit a toxic sap that can cause skin irritation. Use caution and wear gloves when harvesting.

Details

Height: 6 to 10 in
Type: jonquilla
Bloom time: early to mid
Site: full sun

Harvesting/Vase Life

For the longest vase life, harvest when blooms look like a goose neck and have not yet opened. Flowers can also be picked when they’ve opened more, just keep in mind that they won’t last quite as long. Wear gloves when harvesting narcissus, as they ooze a slimy sap that can cause skin irritation. This slimy sap can shorten the vase life of other flowers significantly. To avoid affecting other blooms in an arrangement, you’ll need to “condition” them first. To do this, place freshly cut stems in a separate bucket to rest for 3 to 4 hours to release sap. Do not recut stems after treatment. You can create an arrangement solely of narcissus and the sap won’t be an issue. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Details

Description

One of the first varieties to flower, this fairy-like bloomer is the epitome of early spring, and everyone who sees it falls in love. Multiple flowers are clustered on each stem, giving off a sweet fragrance. Pale lemon-yellow outer petals reflex to frame a perfectly golden throat, softening to canary-yellow. Although the stems are short, they stretch as the flowers open, practically doubling in height while carefree blooms nod and dance in the landscape. This long-lasting variety ages well and is weather-resistant; a perfect contender for small bottles on the windowsill!

Please note: When cut, daffodils and narcissus emit a toxic sap that can cause skin irritation. Use caution and wear gloves when harvesting.

Details

Height: 6 to 10 in
Type: jonquilla
Bloom time: early to mid
Site: full sun

Harvesting/Vase Life

For the longest vase life, harvest when blooms look like a goose neck and have not yet opened. Flowers can also be picked when they’ve opened more, just keep in mind that they won’t last quite as long. Wear gloves when harvesting narcissus, as they ooze a slimy sap that can cause skin irritation. This slimy sap can shorten the vase life of other flowers significantly. To avoid affecting other blooms in an arrangement, you’ll need to “condition” them first. To do this, place freshly cut stems in a separate bucket to rest for 3 to 4 hours to release sap. Do not recut stems after treatment. You can create an arrangement solely of narcissus and the sap won’t be an issue. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.