Have you heard the rumor about tulips and daffodils?

Rumor about tulips and daffodils:

Some people tell a rumor about tulips and daffodils, “They don’t play together well.” Others say, “Each wants to be the star of the vase”. And well, I can’t repeat what others say about them. Lol.

Let’s just say each of them has its own “special distinctions.” Now, I will tell you information I’ve heard from seasoned florists since I was a child in my Aunt’s kitchen to when I owned my own floral shop. I spoke about my Aunt and Grandmothers in the Gardening Recollections blog. I’ll tell you and explain the rumor about tulips and daffodils. Then you can come to your own conclusions.

Daffodils (also known as Narcissus):

• “Their sap from a fresh cut from the garden causes skin rashes.” ~ This is true for some and not for others, so be on the cautious side and wear gloves.“
• “Sap from the stems bleeds into the vase water and kills tulips, freesia, and roses.” ~ Cutting the daffodils and letting them condition in their own bucket overnight may get most of the sap out and seal the stem. On the other hand, if you give them a fresh cut, they may release sap again.
• My three solutions to have a mixed bouquet with daffodils ~ 1.) For a special occasion add the daffodils before the event; nothing will happen within a few hours. 2.) Place the daffodils inside floral tubes and add them to the arrangement. Note: you will see these in a clear vase, so use an opaque container. 3.) Throw caution to the wind, mix them, then see if this is true. I have had some die quickly while others last a few days.

Tulips

• “They keep growing even after they’re cut.” ~ Yes, they do. This is why you often see tulips in an unstructured arrangement, with their beautiful stems flowing in all different directions. Sometimes, cutting the stems short slows this down.
• “Tulips don’t stay where I put them in the arrangement.” ~ Again, this is correct. Sometimes, the stems will straighten or develop an arch after a fresh cut. If you place tulips in arrangements, make them close to when you need them. Or plan on them flowing freely in a wildly structured/unstructured arrangement.
• “Wrap tulips in paper, stand them up in a vase, keep them cool, and they will not droop.” ~ From experimenting, this works for a day or two as long as they are kept in a cool place.

Result of the rumor about tulips and daffodils:

In conclusion, start your arrangements with the result in mind. Remember the details of the rumor about tulips and daffodils. 

• If it is for a special event, add the daffodils and tulips just before showtime.
• If it is for your table, play around with vases and single-flower arrangements or a mixed bouquet with floral tubes like the one below.

Experiment, have fun, take notes. Then say, “Those rumors about tulips and daffodils are false (or true).” Please let us know what happened in our private Facebook group.