The Simple Daffodil Mistake That’s Shortening the Life of Your Flowers
Read time - 3 mins
When Monet said, “I must have flowers, always and always”, I’m convinced he meant peonies and honestly? Same. When I’m not lusting after their perfect petals or saving a bouquet from a too sunny windowsill, you’ll find me at home raising the next generation of flower lovers (think sticky hands and zero vase etiquette).
When Monet said, “I must have flowers, always and always”, I’m convinced he meant peonies and honestly? Same. When I’m not lusting after their perfect petals or saving a bouquet from a too sunny windowsill, you’ll find me at home raising the next generation of flower lovers (think sticky hands and zero vase etiquette).
There’s nothing that says spring is finally here quite like a bunch of daffodils. Their bright yellow heads, fresh green stems, and cheerful energy instantly lift a room – and our mood with it.
But here’s something we’ve learned over the years: daffodils (or Narcissus, to give them their proper name) can be a little bit sneaky. As beautiful as they are, they’re also behind one of the most common mistakes people make with spring flowers at home – and it can dramatically shorten the life of your bouquet without you even realising why.
When daffodils are freshly cut, they release a sticky sap from their stems. On its own, that’s not a problem. But when you pop them straight into a mixed bouquet with other flowers like tulips, roses, or freesias, that sap can block the stems of the other blooms. The result? Flowers that should last days start wilting far too quickly.
It’s one of those things most people don’t know – and honestly, why would you? But the good news is, the fix is simple, and it’s a technique florists use all the time. It’s called “conditioning”, and it makes all the difference.
How to prep daffodils for mixed bouquets
1. Trim the stems
I cut about 2–3cm from the bottom of each stem at a slight angle using sharp scissors or floral snips. This helps the daffodils hydrate properly and starts the sap-release process.
2. Let them sit on their own
I place the freshly cut daffodils in a vase of clean, cool water – completely on their own – and leave them for at least 2–4 hours (overnight is even better). This allows most of the sap to release into the water instead of into your mixed bouquet.
3. Don’t re-cut them
This one’s important: once they’re conditioned, don’t trim them again. Recutting triggers another release of sap.
4. Then combine them
After conditioning, I discard the old water and arrange the daffodils in fresh water with the rest of the flowers. Simple, and it works beautifully.
With the right care, daffodils can last a week or more in a mixed arrangement – and instead of shortening the life of your bouquet, they’ll brighten it for days.
A few extra tips our florists swear by
- Use cool water, not warm
- Keep flowers away from radiators and direct sunlight
- Change the water every two to three days
- Handle stems gently to avoid bruising
Daffodils are one of spring’s greatest joys, they’re hopeful, nostalgic, and full of life. And with just a little extra care, they can bring that feeling into your home properly, without sacrificing the rest of your bouquet 💛
