How To Condition & Create With Narcissi
Late winter/early spring is the time of year when Narcissi begin to appear in our gardens and local shops. What I love about them is that they are so accessible and joyful. Often available for only a few pounds. Even those on a tight budget can bring home a bunch to appreciate or gift to a friend. They do have some specific care requirements which I have outlined below. Following these processes will help you maximise their longevity, and therefore your enjoyment.
Stem Details:
Narcissi have hollow stems and release sap when freshly cut. This sap is toxic to other flowers when they share the same vase.
When you buy Daffodils from the supermarket, they are usually presented in an open cardboard box and out of water. They will contain less sap than those which have been freshly harvested, but it is still worth following the same conditioning process outlined below.
How To Condition:
Cut all stems at an oblique angle and place in fresh cool water to hydrate, allowing any remaining sap to drain out. You’ll notice the water turns cloudy quite quickly, and it is important to refresh it often. After a few hours (or ideally overnight), they will be ready to arrange.
When cutting Narcissi from your garden the above advice applies, with some extra care considerations:
All flowers should be harvested first thing in the morning so they are at peak hydration. Have a bucket of fresh water with you, and place the cut stems immediately into the water once cut. A lot of sap will drain out into the water. Once back inside transfer them from the bucket to the vase. I prefer a clear glass vase as that allows you to keep an eye on the water. Leave overnight in a cool dark place and arrange at your leisure the next day.
Design Suggestions:
If mixing Daffs with other flowers try use only 5 stems, or less, as they will still hasten the decline of the other blooms despite the conditioning process. Personally, I prefer to arrange them en-masse for maximum impact in a jam jar or vintage jug. You can also utilise a hairpin frog in a low bowl to create something quite striking, should the mood take you.
