Daffodils Vs. Tiny Daffodils

Daffodil Divisions

• The hundreds of species and cultivars of daffodils are divided into divisions according to flower description. The types of daffodils that feature more than one flower per stem tend to have smaller blooms. These include Jonquilla daffodils, which have up to five small flowers on each stem, and Tazetta daffodils, which can have up to 20 tiny but fragrant flowers on each stem. The most popular daffodil of the Tazetta group may be Narcissus papyraceus, or paperwhites, which feature small white flowers atop tall, slender stems. Although they're often forced indoors, paperwhites grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 through 11.

Miniature Daffodils

• Miniature daffodils are just tiny versions of the standard plant. This means that instead of selecting a species that is normally small in stature, home gardeners can select a standard species that also comes in dwarf -- or miniature -- form. Miniature daffodils look exactly like their standard-sized counterparts, with the exception that the flower has a diameter smaller than 1 1/2 inches.

Climate and Care

• Tiny daffodils have the same general care needs as standard-sized daffodils, although climate is an important consideration. Still, even climate is dependent on species, not size. Daffodils vary widely in their cold and heat hardiness, but in general, daffodils grown as perennials can be found in USDA zones 3 through 11, depending on the species and cultivar. They grow equally well in full sun or part shade and in rich, well-draining soil. Daffodils tolerate drought conditions, but overly wet soil may rot the bulbs.

Selected Cultivars

• Narcissus "Carlton" is a large-cupped daffodil prized for its large, showy flowers. The flowers can grow up to 2 feet tall, and the bulbs are deer-resistant. This daffodil grows best in USDA zones 3 through 8. Narcissus "Minnow" is a miniature daffodil that reaches a maximum height of only about 8 inches. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, it features between three and five flowers on each stem.