Narcissus 'Grand Soleil d'Or'

Narcissus 'Grand Soleil d'Or' is a clump forming, bulbous perennial that can grow up to 45cm tall.[2] Leaves are strap-shaped and greyish green in colour.[2] A mature bulb will produce a singular stem, which hosts a cluster of scented flowers.[2] Blooms consist of 10 to 20 small flowers, which possess golden petals and a short orange corona.[2]

The 'Grand Soleil d'Or' daffodils origin isn't certain, however it is believed it may be Dutch in origin.[3] Records of the cultivars existence date back to before 1770.[4] There is a legend on the Isles of Scilly that a Dutch merchant gifted Narcissi bulbs to the lady of Star Castle. She later discarded the bulbs mistaking them for foul tasting onions.[5]

Cultivation of this cultivar has taken place on the Isles of Scilly as far back as the 1860s.[6] The first Narcissus to be farmed for the cut flower trade and sold in London suburbs were predominantly ‘Grand Soleil d’Or' and ‘Scilly White’.[7] During the 1950s up to 200 million narcissus were grown and hand picked on the Isle of Scilly every year.[5] These daffodils would then be packed and distributed throughout the United Kingdom as cut flowers.[5]