One of the first things I learned when we moved to Central Florida was to forget having fields of daffodils.

In fact I told my friends Sue and Jerry Milks that I personally wouldn't plant the spent bulbs from forced potted arrangements you can purchase locally each spring. However, if they wanted to try, go ahead. I was sure they would be disappointed.

Well, those bulbs made a liar out of me because the daffies not only thrived but spread. Proved wrong, I wanted to know more so I was thrilled when I recently met and interviewed Linda Van Beck. Linda is the past president of the Florida Daffodil Society and author of "Florida - A Field Guide to the Coastal South."

If you grew King Alfreds "up north," forget it. However, there are several daffodils that will thrive as long as we plant them at the right time and the right way for our climate.

One of those varieties is the tazetta (paper whites) that produce clusters of small flowers and are much more tolerant of our weather. In fact, Florida boasted commercial tazetta farms back in the 1920s and '30s. I was surprised to learn that some of the more successful farms were located in Alachua, Volusia, and Seminole counties.

I am going to save proper planting procedures until next week to give everyone interested in growing these wonderful bulbs a chance to order them from the three companies Linda recommended. Plus, because they need a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, have your soil tested through your extension if you do not already know your pH.

First, however, are the recommended daffodils for our area.

Carlton: Beautiful two-toned yellow single 5-inch vanilla scented flower per 18- to 20-inch stem.

Ice Follies: Another large cup daffodil with only one flower per stem reaching 16 to 18 inches. The flowers are pale yellow with a frilled yellow cup. As it ages, the cup turns creamy white.

Silver Chimes: Reaching 12 inches, each stem handles up to 10 creamy white scented blooms.

Erlicheer: Only reaching 10 inches in height, this miniature has fragrant ruffled snowy white double blooms with a creamy center.

It is not too late to order them as long as they are planted immediately upon receipt. I have been in touch with the three recommended retailers. Please note, bulb availability is ever changing.

Brent and Becky's Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com, 877-661-2852.

They are out of Silver Chimes but have Carlton, Ice Follies and Erlicheer.

Terra Ceia Farms, www.terraceiafarms.com, 800-858-2852.

They have plenty of Ice Follies and Erlicheer.

John Scheepers, www.johnscheepers.com, 860-567-0838.

Ice Follies and Silver Chimes are still available.

I know I am not the only former Northerner who misses what we consider the only true spring flowers! Now if only the experts could find tulips, hyacinths and crocuses to thrive and repeat bloom each year. I can dream, can't I?

Anne-Marie Conard is a member of the Garden Writers Association and winner of two UF/IFAS Marketing & Communications Writing Awards for her weekly garden column. E-mail her at flfriendlygarden@msn.com.
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