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Roots of the Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend

Stories

Events & Traditions

nantucket daffodil festival ack 7

nantucket daffodil festival ack 7

The roots of Daffodil Weekend can be traced back to the 1970s when a group of local enthusiasts, inspired by the sight of daffodils blooming across the island, decided to organize a festive celebration to welcome the arrival of spring. What began as a modest gathering of island residents admiring the golden blooms soon evolved into a full-fledged weekend of festivities, complete with parades, picnics, and flower shows.

While the island doesn’t have its native species of daffodils, it’s likely that many different cultivars are grown and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike during the springtime festivities. There are approximately 50 different species of daffodils (Narcissus) in the wild, but thousands of cultivated varieties and hybrids created by plant breeders and enthusiasts exist. These cultivated varieties vary in characteristics such as size, color, and bloom time.

Daffodils come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, offering various options for gardeners and flower enthusiasts. From the classic yellow trumpet daffodils to delicate white varieties, daffodils can complement any garden or floral arrangement.

nantucket daffodil festival ack 7

Daffodils are resilient and adaptable flowers, capable of thriving in various climates and soil conditions. They are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, often enduring chilly temperatures and even light snowfall, making them a reliable choice for early-season color.

nantucket daffodil festival ack 7

Daffodils are relatively low-maintenance plants that require minimal care once established. They are generally resistant to pests and diseases and can naturalize over time, forming larger clumps and spreading throughout the garden with little intervention.


Daffodils have a relatively long bloom period compared to many other spring bulbs, lasting several weeks. This extended flowering season ensures that daffodils continuously display color.

nantucket daffodil festival ack 7

Deer rarely eat daffodils because they are toxic and contain a bitter alkaloid poisonous to mammals.