Every year Americans seem to recite “April showers bring May flowers” in anticipation of spring. We enjoy spotting the first green sprouts foreshadowing beautiful flower blooms that are a sure sign of rejuvenation and new life.

Daffodils are one of the first flowers to awaken after a dormant winter season. Daffodils are easy to grow in the United States, and are widely found in bloom across the nation. If you are a new gardener, daffodils are a recommended starting point that will virtually always bloom come spring.

There are 25 species of daffodils that consist of more than 13,000 hybrids. Typically, a daffodil is started from a bulb ranging from $1 to $100 in price depending on your source. A daffodil bloom lasts for six weeks to six months specific to your location (southern locations of the country experience longer blooms). Daffodils prefer a cooler growing climate. In fact, a “cold treatment” is required for bud development; therefore, they are perfect candidates for the New York state region.

Bulbs should be planted once the ground has cooled during the months of September and October. Before planting, find a sunny place that is well drained for optimal daffodil results. Bulbs should be planted in a hole that is two to three times the bulb's length (6-12 inches). Make sure never to buy or plant a soft bulb, because it may be susceptible to basal rot and other diseases.

Water is essential to the viability of your daffodils. Maintain a moist environment weekly while the plants are growing, and continue to water up to three weeks after blooming time. Daffodils do not require cutting, due to possible damage of next year's growth. Wait until the plant has yellowed and wilted before gently removing the dead foliage.

To enhance your growing season, mulch your plot beforehand. Mulch provides a much-needed moisture source during the dry summer months. Visit www.daffodilusa.org for further information.

Daffodils are a symbol of hope. The American Cancer Society has created “Daffodil Days” in order to raise money and awareness for the life-threatening disease that affects so many Americans. This year, central New York raised more than $5,500 for the American Cancer Society.

You can participate in the 2009 “Daffodil Days” event; make a donation and research the American Cancer Society at www.daffodil.acseents.org/site.

In 2007, Mayor Bloomberg named the daffodil the honorary flower of New York City. The Daffodil Project was undertaken in the fall of 2001 to commemorate the lives lost in Sept. 11. The project was designed to be a living memorial that would infinitely bloom throughout the New York City landscape. More than 3 million bulbs have been planted in more than 1,000 city parks.

For more information on daffodils and gardening, call the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener hotline at 255-1183. The hotline is open 10 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Oct. 10.

Sara Richards is an AmeriCorps environmental assistant at Cornell Cooperative Extension Cayuga County.