Essential Tips For Keeping Picked Daffodils Alive In A Vase

Absolutely nothing in the world says spring has arrived more than the appearance of daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). They're the loveliest of flowers, and if you know the right tricks, they can bring sunshine into your home for a long time. While they may seem like quite simple flowers, they are actually quirkier than you thought, and understanding how to keep them properly in a vase means you can enjoy a bright yellow display for weeks.

The trick to long-lasting daffodils actually starts before you put them in a vase. There are a few clever tips and tricks to growing daffodils and there are a few when it comes to picking them, too. The perfect moment to gather a bunch of daffodils is during what is referred to by flower experts as the "gooseneck stage" — this is when the daffodil's neck has just started to bend. 

When you're out collecting these little rays of sunshine, put down the scissors and instead pull them from their base. A twist and pull technique means your flowers will have longer stems and they won't leak so much sap out of their stems, either. Once plucked, you're almost ready to display your daffodils in your favorite vase.

Now that you've picked your daffodils correctly, there are still a few more steps to take. Think of daffodils like little yellow divas, they need some cooling off time on their own before they can be put in arrangements with other flowers. Place them alone in cool water for up to 24 hours so their stems harden and stop producing sap. Not a lot of people know this, but the sap daffodils create is toxic to themselves and other flowers. This step will keep them safe from their own sap and make sure they can't harm other flowers either.

Daffodils have a vase life of around 5 to 7 days. Once you're ready to integrate your daffodils with other flowers (or simply display them alone,) give them a bit of homemade flower food to settle in with. Just a spoonful of sugar or a quarter teaspoon of bleach or apple cider vinegar will keep flowers fresh and give them energy, as well as keep them happy and reduce bacteria growth. 

Make sure your daffodil's vase water isn't too warm by keeping it in a cool spot, not in direct sun. If you're really dedicated to your daffodil display, change the water as often as you can, as adding fresh water is good practice for anyone who wants to keep their cut flowers fresh longer. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your daffodils as long as possible.