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The types of people who grow daffodils are becoming increasingly diverse.
Luong Duong (32 years old, from Thanh Hoa) has always loved planting and caring for flowers. Long before he started learning to shape daffodils, he was impressed and admired those who cultivated this flower. In 2017, he happened to learn that one of his acquaintances had been growing daffodils for many years, so he expressed his desire to buy some for Tet (Lunar New Year). His friend refused to sell them but wanted to teach Duong how to shape and cultivate them. From then on, his passion began.
Growing daffodils is a hobby that attracts many young people, including men. (Photo: Provided by the subject)
Previously, daffodil enthusiasts were mostly middle-aged or elderly people in Hanoi, due to the meticulousness and attention to detail involved in each step of the process. However, nowadays, the hobby of growing daffodils is no longer limited by age, gender, or region.
Mr. Duong also shared: "Narcissus is a seasonal flower. Due to the climate and soil not being suitable for growing it in Vietnam, the bulbs are usually imported from Zhangzhou, Fujian, China, to be used during Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Other seasons don't have bulbs, and the bulbs don't have buds. However, with skillful hands, Vietnamese narcissus enthusiasts have pruned and transformed it into an elegant hobby."
For him, this flower holds special significance as it helped him find his soulmate. He met his wife while teaching her how to prune and care for flowers. Daffodils are a passion that both he and his wife pursue. Therefore, every New Year and Tet holiday, pots of daffodils are indispensable decorations in their home.
Carving daffodils is a laborious and meticulous process. But the finished product is well worth it.
Daffodils bring good luck every spring.
Symbolizing good fortune and vibrant springtime vitality, bowls of daffodils are often displayed on coffee tables or in prominent locations during Tet (Vietnamese New Year). For the people of Hanoi, cultivating daffodils is considered a beautiful cultural tradition.
Daffodils can be found on Hanoi's plant-selling streets like Hoang Hoa Tham and Lac Long Quan, but the joy of growing daffodils begins with those rough, still-clinging bulbs. Flower enthusiasts must go through many stages, such as selecting bulbs, peeling them, separating the layers, nurturing, and caring for the flowers to obtain a beautiful pot of daffodils.
Many people enjoy growing daffodils, and the process of trimming the flowers and timing their bloom so they coincide with the New Year. The flowers only last about a week from the time they bloom until they wither. Counting from the day they are trimmed, it takes about 20-30 days for them to bloom in the spring.
Flower growers have to go through many stages such as selecting bulbs, peeling them, separating each layer, nurturing, and caring for the flowers.
How to care for and prune daffodils
Getting started with daffodils isn't too complicated. You'll need a specialized knife, a terracotta pot for growing the flowers, and a display stand depending on the flower's shape and the homeowner's preferences.
When pruning, players need to be careful to prune cleanly and neatly. Peel and trim just enough to ensure the flower bud is exposed without damaging the bulb too much, being careful not to cut into the bud itself. The pruning and care process requires skill and attention to detail. However, this is a very hardy flower. If the weather is favorable, the bulbs are of good quality, and the pruner is experienced, it is not too difficult to get a healthy and beautiful pot of flowers.
Currently, there is a lot of information online, and many groups regularly organize offline events to guide and share tips on pruning and growing daffodils for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). Some examples of such groups include "Vietnamese Daffodil Essence," "Daffodils and Friends," and "Association for Sharing Experiences in Pruning and Caring for Daffodils"...
Daffodils are hardy flowers, easy to grow for beginners.
There's no specific standard for judging whether daffodils are beautiful or not. But regarding the art of pruning and shaping, according to Mr. Duong, a beautiful daffodil arrangement is one that is healthy, ensuring the leaves are lush green without fibrous scars or cracks. The flower stalks are plump, the stems are sturdy, and the cut surfaces are bright white. The roots are even, white, and must be present. The "dragon's claw" sheath behind the leaves is white, slightly curved, and layered. The arrangement must be harmonious in composition. The leaves, whether drooping or curled, must complement the roots, flowers, and bracts. Whether the flowers are clustered or spread out at varying heights, they must maintain a connection with the rest of the arrangement to avoid disrupting the overall composition.
After a hectic year, the hobby of trimming daffodils becomes a refined and elegant pastime, helping people slow down. It not only cultivates patience and meticulousness but also helps flower enthusiasts feel relaxed and peaceful as they enter the new year. Each person who trims them learns to appreciate the beauty of life, not only from the flowers themselves but also from the leaves and roots of this small, vibrant plant.
