The early market flowers have been moving slowly since just before Mothers Day , early May .It is traditionally the peak of the Chrysanths and the shops were full of beautiful potted flowers , usually in bud , well presented in a good range of autumn colours .Potted daffs , – Tete a Tete , were also on display . Unfortunately many were quite well open and they do not have the lasting qualities of the chrysanths .
I have been picking small quantities of a very clean line of Paperwhites ( Bill Welsh seed grown on and distributed by John Hunter) .Also small lines of the “creams ” tazettas from the Welsh / Hamilton breeding . Tahi , the first , is finished but Rua and the impressively tall Toru are still picking .I have several paperwhite selections , made by both John Hunter and Diane Irwin and they are are improved forms , most selected for bigger flower size and rounder flowers .
Cormiston , an Irwin selection is strong at the moment .
Also the first of the yellow trumpets are showing bud and a bright seedling is blooming in a well watered pot .
Hope our southern flowers help with any post convention daffodil withdrawal symptoms .