Dear Becky,
Poets seem to me to be a true connoisseur type flower. They have a quiet, subtle grace and style. Pretty much every single type has a ravishing yet light fragrance that is really delightful. Their colors can be almost phosphorescent yet somehow they are still unassuming and dainty. In my view, they easily equal the most sophisticated flowers that can be imagined when cut for an arrangement, show entry, or a vase to grace your table. In case you can’t tell, I love this type of flower.
I try my best to watch each poet and cut them just after they are in loose bud. The perianth segments are still loosely furled but they are at the stage when you can gently open the flower slightly. This stage allows you to partially examine the perianth segments for any major defect like mitten thumbs, etc. If it looks like a keeper, I cut the stem and place the flower in warm water in a cool, dim to dark room (I use my North facing garage floor). Examining the flowers two to four days after such conditioning can be a revelation. When handled this way they often exhibit perfect form with an intensity of color that you really have to see to believe.
Having said all of that, if the weather outside is going to be gray, wet, and cold, (not an unusual state here in Oregon!) I will sometimes elect to allow them to develop slowly while still on the plant. They seem to grow larger if left on the plant and may sometimes will even outgrow misshapen, cocked, or non symmetric petal arrangement.
Careful treatment with frequent observation, whether left on the plant or cut early and held cool and dim, will allow you to truly appreciate this much favored and admired section of the daffodil kingdom.
The slightly out of focus photo is of V92-191-40 which is a cross of ‘Angel Eyes’ x ‘Phebe’; a classically colored 9W-GYR.
Steve Vinisky
Cherry Creek Daffodils
