March Birth Flowers: Daffodil and Jonquil

• The genus is named after Narcissus of Greek myth, who fell in love with his own reflection.
• It is the national flower of Wales and is worn on St. David's Day, March 1.
• Give daffodils in a bunch for luck: a single one was thought to bring misfortune.

Daffodils come as cut stems in late winter and spring and as bulbs to plant in fall. Choose stems still in bud or at the gooseneck stage, when the bud has just started to bend. Freshly cut stems release a sap that can cut the vase life of other flowers by up to half. University of Illinois Extension suggests standing daffodils in their own water for 12 to 24 hours before adding them to a mixed bouquet.

Daffodil bulbs must go in before the first frost, because they need a cold winter to bloom. After flowering, leave the leaves until they turn yellow.

Jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla) are a fragrant daffodil species with golden flowers and narrow, rush-like leaves. Most are sold as bulbs, planted 3 to 5 inches deep, and they multiply readily. Cut for a vase, they need the same separate soak as other daffodils.

In the ground, jonquils need what other daffodils need: sun and good drainage.

Daffodils and jonquils carry the same warning from the ASPCA: both are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Signs include vomiting and diarrhea, with drooling also listed for jonquils, and the bulbs are the most poisonous part; daffodil bulbs can affect the heart. That toxicity is also why deer and rodents leave the bulbs alone.

Aquamarine and bloodstone share March, and their page covers both; the Birthstone Finder sets them beside the stones of the other eleven months. A daffodil card can carry the star sign as well, since a March birthday is either Pisces or Aries: the Zodiac Sign Calculator says which. Planning a surprise? A birthday countdown link in the family chat keeps everyone on the same date.