REPLY: [pbs] Narcissus leaf length
DaveKarn@aol.com (Sat, 25 Jan 2003 07:14:38 PST)

In a message dated 24-Jan-03 8:54:13 PM Pacific Standard Time,
batlette@cox.net writes:

Cathy ~

Etiolation of daffodil leaves is related to three things: temperature, light
and genetics. Cool to cold temps slow growth of the leaves and preserve
bloom for extended periods. Often, in Oregon, in early season, it is so cold
that for all practical purposes the flowers are growing in a refrigerator!
This results in bloom that will last for three or four weeks, if not battered
into compost by a hail storm. Lack of light will also cause etiolation but
the gray days of Winter are also accompanied by cold temps offsetting the
lack of light.

Thus, we come to Genetics. The tazettas and tazetta hybrids of Division 8 in
warm Winter climates will grow during those months such that by bloom time,
they will have developed a considerable bush of leaves. Strong winds will
often twist and break these leaves. Planting in sheltered areas will largely
take care of that problem. Actually, I've never thought leaf growth on
daffodils to be a "problem." It is, simply, something one accepts as the
price one pays for luxuriant bloom!

As for daffodils with short leaves, there a number of the species and species
hybrids that should fit the bill. Unfortunately, they are mostly Winter
growers and bloomers and, while marvelous plants in a cold frame or cold
greenhouse, tend not to be much in the Winter garden as bloom life is
shortened by frost and pelting rain.

Dave Karnstedt
Cascade Daffodils
Silverton, Oregon
Maritime Mediterranean climate
email: davekarn@AOL.com