Foliage up Early? Don't Worry.

» BrianW_5 - Daffodil Foliage in the South

Hi Mary Lou,

Here in the land of Scarlet O'Hara and company (i.e. Atlanta), my daffs are putting up foliage in mid to late December. 'Avalanche', a somewhat tender tazetta, is often up in November but will get nipped back if temps drop into the low 20s. As for the bulbs themselves, it just doesn't get cold enough here to hurt them. I've discovered thriving clumps of daffodil bulbs naturalized above ground, their roots only protected by an inch of leaf clutter.

Bloom times are advanced down here, as well. As compensation for the months of July and August, we Atlantans get to see 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation' in early January, and "Early Season" daffs by mid February.

-- posted by BrianW_5

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» Mary Lou - Daffodil Foliage in the South

Hi Brian,
Yes, there are compensations for living in warmer climates! 'Avalanche' is a beautiful flower, isn't it? I grow it here, but it never achieves the glory it does in warmer climates. It's spectacular when those dozen or more florets are open. I also try to grow 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation,' but mostly I grow only leaves!

This year I'll have daffodil blooms well in to May, since the season is beginning so late. Maybe that makes up for not having blooms in January and February--but I doubt it!

I've had a few miniature daffodils in bloom for awhile, but the first standard size daffodils are just opening. 'Swift Arrow' opened yesterday, and 'Prologue' is opening today.

The Georgia Daffodil Society usually holds a show in Atlanta, at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, but I think they had to cancel this year. If you want information about that society, you can contact them at troche@itt.state.ga.us

Mary Lou

-- posted by Mary Lou

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