Double Daffodils
In a capsule, double daffodils are just that, they are daffodils with double petals and double cups. It doesn't matter what is doubled, petals, cup, etc., if it doubles, it is classified as a double daffodil. The doubling of the petals, or cup makes is generally hard to define either, as it may be a series of small "curved" petals. It is a feature that occurs naturally in the wild and has been build upon my hybridizers until it is both a fine garden and show flower. When first discovered, double daffodils were considered a "freak" of nature, but proved to be a trait that passed naturally in new hybridized cultivars. The double daffodil is sometimes described as having a carnation or rose "like" look.
Double daffodils have always been a favorite of the public and attracts much attention at the flower shows. However, at these same shows, I've heard a variety of surprise type statements by the public in reference to the double daffodil, such as, "that one doen't look like a daffodil at all, more like a carnation." And, "that can't be a daffodil, it has no cup." However, they are garden hybridized Division 4, Double Daffodils.
Growing Double Daffodils
Double daffodils are traditionally late season. Hybridizers have been dilligently working with the division to move some of the newer introductions into the early-mid to mid season categories. The work of the hybridizers have begin to produce some results.
Natural selection, however, causes major complications with moving double daffodils into the colder, and earlier climates. The slang for it is called "blasting," or nothingness. Blasting occurs when a daffodil puts up a nice looking bud, that doesn't bloom, and when you feel it, it is nothing but a thin soft shell. It's said to have blasted! The cause is usually a sudden return to cold weather after a warming trend during the time the bud is in development.
The earliest double daffodil in my garden is 'Tamar Fire', and seldom do I have blast problems with it. Two double daffodils that produce from early-mid season onward are 'Snowfire' and 'Tonga'. I have had little to no blast problems with them. In addition, they have been constant producers of quality show and garden flowers. In my naturalized areas, they add a show of color that can be seen from a distance.
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