Making daffodils last

Question: I love daffodils but a friend said you can’t mix them with other cut flowers as they release a sap that is toxic and the other flowers will die. Is that true?

Answer: The answer is yes and no. Daffodils do secrete a sap when they are cut and it can shorten the vase life of other blooms.

But top Auckland florist Davina Prankerd, owner and manager Vida Flores in Newmarket, says she and her team mix daffodils with other flowers all the time with no problems at all.

‘‘I’m a firm believer in keeping the water for cut flowers fresh.

‘‘Change the water every couple of days and you are washing any nasty sap away,’’ Prankerd says.

Daffodils picked at the tight bud stage and kept in clean water should last in the vase for seven days, she says. You might get an extra three or so days if you recut the stem every time you change the water, but she doesn’t recommend adding anything to the vase water for spring blooms.

‘‘You might add a drop or two of bleach to the water for a vase of stock or gerberas because otherwise they get slimy and icky, but with daffodils fresh water is enough.’’

Prankerd’s favourite spring combinations include daffodils, erlicheer, freesias and tulips. But you can combine daffodils with roses or irises too.

‘‘Basically you can put them in with anything!’’

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Daffodils can be combined with ‘Erlicheer’ narcissus.