Published 2009-12-01
Abstract
Daffodils and other flowering bulbs typically struggle in peninsular Florida because of the low number of chilling hours. However, for the last 5 years, the Florida Daffodil Society and 11 county extension offices in central Florida collaborated to determine if there were cultivars of daffodils that would repeat-bloom in this zone. In Winter 2004, 10 cultivars were planted in UF/IFAS Extension demonstration gardens, including Pasco County’s office located in Dade City. Since then, Pasco County staff has monitored the performance of the 10 cultivars for green growth and flower production. Many of the cultivars have not re-bloomed over time, have declined, or died; however, several daffodil cultivars have performed satisfactorily and may be suited to the low chilling experienced in west-central Florida according to the trial. This paper discusses trialed cultivars that did not perform consistently and those that performed satisfactorily. These cultivars may be good candidates for wider usage in Florida home or commercial landscapes.