Home | Library | | Narcissus Elf
A handful of Narcissus ‘Elf’.
A handful of Narcissus ‘Elf’.
A handful of Narcissus ‘Elf’.
A close up of Narcissus ‘Elf’.

Narcissus ‘Elf’

Features

  • Fragrant
  • Toxic

Description

This magical little bloom is perfectly named. Flowers have relaxed, pointed outer petals that are buttercream with white at the base, and the buttercream trumpets have a ruffled, peachy-pink edge. Flowers dance in the breeze and the petals catch and flutter. They have a light, sweet scent.

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: 10 to 16 in
Type: large-cupped
Bloom time: mid to late
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

This magical little bloom is perfectly named. Flowers have relaxed, pointed outer petals that are buttercream with white at the base, and the buttercream trumpets have a ruffled, peachy-pink edge. Flowers dance in the breeze and the petals catch and flutter. They have a light, sweet scent.

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: 10 to 16 in
Type: large-cupped
Bloom time: mid to late
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: Seed-Starting 101

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

In this free video series, 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.