It was interesting to see the season ending post from Mike Berrigan , June 7 . It is amazing to think that in New Zealand terms that daffs could still be flowering in early December , just short of our Summer Solstice .Certainly not in my area .
By the Winter Solstice, June 21 , I had quite a range of cutflowers for market ; the very first varieties , tazettas Tahi ,Rua and Toru had finished as had the first yellow trumpets .I had a good pick of tazettas for Mothers Day , mid May , and they are popular with the florists , they are pleasantly fragrant , – also an asset for the buyers …A good range out currently , a few seedlings of mine and from John Hunter and Graham Phillips .
I have 3 “smellies :out at the moment .
Erlicheer , – flowering on an autumn watered block , picking well .Just starting to flower on a block that was not irrigated – spreads the pick .
Sol D’or , – A very , very old line .I only have a few clumps left .Difficult to get good stock but always very bright and fragrant .
Emerald Monarch ,, — a very fragrant John Hunter flower .Quite different , – very long pedicles on the first blooms , on each head , to open .The left and right wing flowers show the long necks .
Kickstart 2Y – O , my first redcup to flower , – very early .A big bud on a strong stem . I have been using it a lot as a seed parent and am currently assessing a small batch , – quite diverse , from one cross .
A range from Kickstart – form is not exceptional but I was after earliness and am pleased with the early flowering time . One of the great grandparent was a white back – not too surprised to get a white . Will probably only keep the best two redcups with good stems . Very pleased with the stronger orange , which is also taller than most .
A few pinks , just starting .One from Graham P , – Gee Pink , is very tall ; this seedling from ( CHORISTER – X – QUASAR ) – X – GEE PINK .. has an attractive rim that deepens with age .
A very early white trumpet from John Hunter , a sibling to ICESCAPE , is doing very well , – fair form , good stem and clean white .
Early Orbit , – now an established early market double , is just starting . I check all the first E O flowers for a pistil or pollen , – still chasing the elusive very early double .
Incredible , 2Y – O , A 1997 seedling , is now proving to be a reliable , early cutflower , good colours , opens well , and has bulked up quickly .
We have been having a warm start to the season and flowers are early ..However the weatherman warns of a strong winter burst this week that will slow the flowers down .It is always enjoyable to be out in the garden with the flowers . The form of the first flowers would not please the show judges but a golden vase in mid winter always brightens the lounge .
You are doing a wonderful job John. I’m surprised that you don’t use Grande Primo. Mine are well in bloom and will flower until September. About a dozen strong florets on each stem.
I have seen daffodils flowering in December at Arthurs Pass.
Wow. Very impressive John.
My Earlicheer& Wilf’s Winter Delight are just sending up buds now. Obviously affected by the summer drought. The oldest old white/lemon jonquils are blooming though.
Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful. I talked to Graham Phillips that now has early trumpets blooming and doubles thanks to you. The latest daffodils I have seen a few years ago were along the southern shore of lake Superior sighted on July 3. I am sure if one picked carefully, one could have even later bloom. They have low land glaciers in some areas along the Keweenaw peninsula some years. while often marigolds petunias and other frost tender things can survive if buried in a snow squall. Large tracts do not have frozen soil due to the lake effect and the depth of the snow during the winter.