Nothing says springtime and new life like tiny trumpeting Daffodils. You can often find these little gems at your neighborhood grocery or general store. In fact, one miniature cultivar is actually called ‘Little Gem.’ Another is ‘Tete-a-Tete.’
I believe the ones I planted in my garden many years ago fall into one of those cultivars. I was surprised to find that the date on one of these photos was from 2003. While that’s certainly possible, the date function on my various cameras has been known to be incorrect...
In any case, my miniature Daffodils were a gift all those many years ago, and I planted them in the garden immediately after the flowers faded. They’ve made an appearance in the early spring every year since then. I expect to see them poking through the soil and dried leaves after the snow melts during the next few days.
Daffodil is a nickname for members of the genus Narcissus. Narcissus asturiensis, or Pygmy Daffodil, is a species miniature Narcissus native to Portugal and Spain according to the USDA. It resembles the hybrids we commonly can purchase in the U.S., but the latter have been bred to expand their range and growing conditions.
Both ‘Tete-a-Tete’ and ‘Little Gem’ are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, according to Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. They’re bright yellow, prefer full sun or part shade, and perform well in average soil. Both grow to a maximum height of 12 inches.
One of the nicest things about Daffodils of all types, in my book, is that rabbits won’t eat them. And the miniature ones are great companions to other low-growing early bloomers, such as Crocuses and Hyacinths.
Fortunately, I was able to find some the other day in small pots to present as Easter gifts. They’re great for holiday decorating, and afterward the recipients can plant them in their gardens.
I wish I could send them to all my gardening friends, but since I can't, here is my virtual gift to you.
Happy Easter!
Such cheer they bring . . . Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy larger Daffodils are about to bloom, but the mini-Daffs were in an area covered with layers of snow until recently. I hope they'll make an appearance soon!
DeleteThank you, they are lovey.
ReplyDeleteCertainly! Happy spring!
DeleteThat was so sweet of you to send a virtual Daffy! Thank you for such beautiful pictures. I hope you have a very Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteWe had a lovely Easter. I hope you did, too?!
DeleteCheery little daffodils is the perfect gift for your gardening friends, who are blessed to receive them, and for those of us who receive a virtual treat — we are blessed, too! Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a pleasant Easter, Deb. Things are starting to bloom around here, even though we still have piles of snow. :)
DeleteI love these little early-blooming daffodils. I think I might have 'Mite' and 'February Gold'.
ReplyDeleteI'll check them out. I can't believe how many Daffodil cultivars there are! It seems like an endless list!
DeleteHappy Easter Beth....I love daffs as they herald in spring. And I love the smaller ones...I have some unusual miniatures. Can't wait for my first daffs to appear.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter, Donna! Things are lopsided in my garden this year. The larger Daffs in the sun are about to bloom, while the mini-Daffs and some other varieties are delayed because they were covered with snow for so long. Springtime is happening, though. Yay!
DeleteLovely pictures. You have captured their beauty exquisitely!
ReplyDeleteI planted a few miniature daffs last autumn and as yet buds are tightly closed. If they look as good as yours do - I'll be very pleased!
Happy Easter!
Thanks, Angie. Keep me posted. It sounds like yours won't disappoint if they have buds on them already. Enjoy!
DeleteThese are lovely. The earliest spring bulbs are so beloved because they bring relief from winter, and also because they are endearingly petite.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. Yes, they are truly endearing. I'm hoping we've seen the last of the snow for this season, but I know we sometimes have surprises in mid-spring. But we're moving in the right direction!
DeleteWhat a pretty gift basket! I am slowly warming up to daffodils. I think I could use some of these miniatures ones planted next to my grape hyacinths.
ReplyDeleteMiniature Daffs and Grape Hyacinths are a great combination--because of the colors and the structures. I understand your thoughts about Daffodils, Holley, and I enjoyed your post about it!
DeleteHappy Easter to you also.
ReplyDeleteMy little tete a tete's are just starting to bloom here in a sunny spot.
Jen
Happy Easter, Jen. They are so cute, aren't they? Enjoy!
DeleteThanks for bringing back happy memories of Easter celebrations with my husband's family in Switzerland. Jurg's mama used to bake bread rolls shaped as doves. So much love, and so much pleasure! (I've add your March plant to my current post - in April maybe I'll catch up with myself ;~)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana. Bread rolls shaped as doves--sounds yummy and lovely! Easter was early this year, and spring bloomers are late, but we're finding ways to brighten our days. :)
DeleteNothing says "spring has come" better than a daffodil :). I was glad to see yours because mine are done already... Here, because of a lack of winter chill, only tazettas rebloom reliably. Yours are lovely, thank you for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Masha. And I'm thrilled that my larger Daffodils in the sun are about to bloom. Things will change quickly here in the next few weeks! Happy spring!
DeleteThese miniature daffodils are so sweet; you've reminded me that I planted a few--I don't remember the varieties--last fall. Now I can't wait for them to appear! I hope you had a beautiful Easter!
ReplyDeleteEaster was wonderful, Rose. I hope yours was, too! Keep me posted on your mini-Daffs. Mine haven't appeared yet, either. I'm a little worried, but they were covered with loads of snow until very recently.
DeleteThank you for that lovely gift. Many of mine are blooming in the garden now, but I feel one can never have too many daffodils. They are so sunny and are one of the first to color the garden in late winter/early spring.
ReplyDeleteI agree--one can never have too many Daffodils! I planted a bunch of them in the fall of 2011, and it was wonderful to see them pop up here and there last spring. I hope they'll all make an appearance this spring, too!
DeleteI may have to get some potted this year. We have been having problems with the daffs if winter goes too long, like it looks like this year so far. It gets too hot too fast then and there is no show to speak of.
ReplyDeleteMy larger Daffodils are about to bloom, but the miniatures are holding off. As you say, sometimes we go from winter almost directly to summer. I hope we have a few weeks of spring first, because it's such a vibrant time of year!
DeleteI hope your daffodils open soon!! I can't imagine a garden without them although I know everyone has their favorite bulbs & plants. To me they are just cheery, especially after a long winter!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for your kind words over the past couple of months too. It's been a harder-than-usual-winter so all the encouragement & support is extra meaningful. I hope I'm turning a corner...
Hi Kathleen: I've been thinking about you a lot and missing your posts. But I know you'll be back when you're ready. I hope you find much joy in your garden this growing season!
DeleteI love mini daffodils!
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I hope mine bloom this year. If not, I'll plant some new ones!
DeleteBeth ~ thank you for leaving me that super nice comment tonight (on my blog). It made me smile. You're the best.
ReplyDeleteHey Kathleen: It's all true. Your photography and your tips for indoor shots have really helped me. Plus, I enjoy every visit to your blog!
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