Every new daffodil introduction is interesting to the enthusiast. If the price is within his reach, he is tempted to buy.
But in many cases, the cost is prohibitive, and the new variety may be no better titan many inexpensive older kinds, which are more costly obtainable.
In show competition, inexpensive varieties have just as much chance to win as costly ones.
Factors For Winning Show Competitions
Much depends upon the results of good culture – the flower’s size, quality, and freshness are especially important to the judges.
Timing for the show is always a problem and, in some seasons, completely uncontrollable.
However, northern and southern exposures may mean a difference of a week in the development of the flower of a variety.
So, it might be advisable to plant bulbs of the same variety in two different exposures if one is fortunate enough to do so.
Remember that large trumpet varieties of Division I flower at least a week before those of other divisions.
This is not true in every case. For example, Helios and Fortune (Division II) are earlier than most large trumpets, as is February Gold (Division VI).
In a normal year in the New York City region, we expect the largest number of varieties to be at their peak around April 25.
Planting should be completed before the end of October so that bulbs may form roots quickly to develop a flower that is the best representation of the variety.
Daffodil Varieties Of Exhibition
A selection of varieties for exhibition retailing at less than a dollar a bulb follows:
Division I (a)
- LOAN WELLINGTON, is difficult to beat when well grown
- ELGIN, a well proportioned rich golden yellow that blooms rather early
- UNSURPASSABLE, one of the largest yellow trumpets
- DAWSON CITY is later and smaller than most in this class, but its substance and form make it outstanding
- STATENDAM, very large with a rather ostentatious trumpet
- CROMARTY, one of the best
- SUCCESSOR and FORTRESS, very hate but valuable to include in a collection class when the season is early
- ARGYLL, an extra good bill probably still costs more than a dollar a bulb
Division I (b)
- JEFTA, a few days earlier than most
- PRESIDENT LEBRUN
- BALLYFERRIS
- HALFA
- MOISSANITE
- JOHN FARQUAR
- ESKIMO
All are good inexpensive bicolors.
Division I (c)
There are a number of more recent varieties than BEERSHEBA, but it is still doubtful if there are any better.
A further selection would include MOUNT HOOD and ROXANE.
Division II (a)
Of all yellows in this class, AEROLITE and CARLTON, both rather early, are good enough for any company.
Aerolite is listed in some catalogs as 1(a) or yellow trumpet.
Varieties with red or red-edged cups are plentiful, and a choice might be the following:
- SCARLET LEADER, a lovely daffodil with perianth, almost white
- CAMPFIRE
- CARBINEER
- DUNKELD
- WHITELEY GEM
- CHEERIO
- MARKARA
- YELLOW POPPY
Division II (b)
In this class, we can select many winners at prices far below a dollar a bulb. The first to come to mind is DAISY SCHAFFER, still one of the best.
Others include:
- FLAMENCO
- JEAN HOOD
- TUNIS
- ADLER
- E. H. WILSON
- DUKE OF WINDSOR
- DICK WELLBAND
- MONIQUE
- SCARLET TIGER
- SANTIAM
- NISSA
- COLD CROWN
- MELVA FELL
- BODILLY
- AGRA
- SHIRLEY NEALE
Many pink daffodils belong to this class, but most are higher priced than anything mentioned. The old and well-known variety of hills.
R. O. BACKHOUSE is still one of the best as far as a pink cup is concerned.
However, the perianth parts are so poorly placed and of such flimsy texture that they cannot be considered a good exhibition daffodil.
Division II (c)
Our choice in this class is somewhat limited if we are to choose low-priced varieties.
Fortunately, there are a few that can qualify:
- TRUTH
- GLENSHANE
- NAKOTA (late)
- SCARVA
- GLENARM
- MARMORA
- COURAGE
Division III (a)
Two well-known and good varieties here are DIANA KASNER and ALctDA.
Included also could be CORDOVA, MARKET MERRY, ROMAN STAR, and SERAGLIO.
Division III (b)
- THERAPIA
- MYSTIC
- POMANA
- LADY KESTEVEN
- ANGELINE
- BANTRY
- SILVER PLANE
- CORONACH
- CROWN DERBY and FORFAR are all lovely daffodils when grown well
Division IV
MARY COPELAND is always a favorite among doubles, but TEXAS has enormous flowers and will win when exhibited in good condition.
INDIAN CHIEF also has a large flower, which is later in the opening.
IRENE COPELAND has white flowers of perfect formation, but here again, size may be a handicap.
Division V (a)
There is little from which to choose in this class since THALIA has been a consistent winner for many years.
Division V (b)
SILVER CHIMES is the winner here.
Division VI (a)
Varieties in this class flower too early for our show dates. MARCH SUNSHINE, GARDEN PRINCESS and FEBRUARY GOLD are three of the best.
Division VI (b)
BERYL, an excellent midseason variety, has dainty drooping flowers with reflexed perianth.
Division VII (a)
Again we are limited in choice; GOLDEN SCEPTRE is perhaps the best.
Division VII (b)
TREVITHIAN and GOLDEN PERFECTION are both excellent.
Division VIII
GERANIUM is as attractive as any bunch-flowered daffodil: RED GUARD and GioitioUs are two superb varieties that could beat anything.
Division IX
We know of no variety at any price that will beat ACTAEA when well-grown.
Division X
This class has species and wild forms, generally tiny flowers suited for the rock garden in moist but well-drained locations.
Many of them flower ahead of the main crop of daffodils.
- NARCISSUS TRIANDRUS ALBUS
- N. JUNCIFOLIUS
- W. P. MILNER and N. BULBOCODIUM are kinds usually offered in domestic catalogs.
44659 by James G. Esson