Kiwi Bred Daffodils: World-Class Blooms from Our Backyard
Here in little ol' New Zealand, we've got a bit of a reputation for punching above our weight. Olympic rowers? World-class. Rugby legends? Absolutely. But did you know we also grow some of the finest daffodils on the planet? When you choose a New Zealand-bred daffodil, you're not just buying a flower; you're investing in a world-class product that's been carefully crafted and perfected over the years.
That's right, nestled among the sheep paddocks and rolling hills, we've been quietly breeding daffodils that rival the best in the world. Think names like John McLennan, David Bell, and Graham Phillips, all legendary Kiwi breeders whose work has put New Zealand on the global daffodil map.
Behind the Blooms: What It Takes to Breed a Daffodil
Is breeding daffodils as simple as mixing two nice-looking flowers and hoping for the best? Think again. Producing a new variety takes years of patience. We're talking 5 to 7 years to see if a seedling is worth keeping!
Each spring, breeders hand-pollinate flowers, collect seeds, and then raise hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of baby bulbs. Most of them won't make the cut. The winners are the strong, consistent show-stoppers with perfect form, good health, and wow factor.
It's a painstaking process, but when a beauty like Kāpiti Peach emerges from the crowd, it's all worth it.
Our Top Picks – Just Added!
From the one and only John McLennan:
John seems to have mastered the art of producing early blooming varieties - no doubt you will have seen many of John's early bloomers dotted around the country without even knowing it.
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Early Orbit – Yellow and orange double (double the petals for double the beauty!)
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Lunar Probe – The smooth back petals are light yellow in colour, with the inner petaloids being a deeper yellow/orange.
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Tahi – Named Tahi, as it's the first to flower, this creamy white Tazetta variety is dainty as heck with a delightfully strong scent
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Kāpiti Peach – this Daffodil, bred in 2017, has a substantive, greenish-white perianth and a cup-shaped, light orange-yellow crown with a peachy pink blush.
Exclusive David Bell Varieties – You Won't Find These Anywhere Else!
We're thrilled to offer limited bulbs straight from David's personal breeding lines, including varieties that haven't even been officially named yet. These are truly unique, and you won't find them anywhere else.
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River Gold Cross – you will fall in love with the delicate folds of the inner trumpet, a lush golden hue
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Rebecca Ann – the white outer petals contrast perfectly with the ruffled orange inner trumpet
Kayne's Tips for Growing NZ-Bred Daffodils Like a Pro
Want your Kiwi daffs to perform like the champions they are? Here are a few tried-and-true tips from the Bulbs Direct Squad:
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Plant in autumn – ideally March to May, while the soil's still warm.
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Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They hate wet feet!
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Depth matters – plant bulbs about 10–15cm deep, pointed end up.
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Feed them right – a slow-release bulb fertiliser at planting time will give them a great start.
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Let the foliage die back naturally – it's how the bulb recharges for next year's show.
With just a little TLC, your daffodils will reward you with stunning blooms year after year. For a full overview of growing Daffodils, view our Daffodil Growing Guide.
Why Supporting Local Breeders Matters
When you buy a New Zealand-bred daffodil, you're not just planting a flower, you're helping to keep a rich tradition alive. You're supporting small-scale Kiwi breeders who've spent decades perfecting their craft and helping to preserve unique varieties that might otherwise be lost. This sense of community and shared passion makes the daffodil world so special.
These daffodil bulbs are bred for our conditions, making them more likely to thrive in your garden and naturalise beautifully over time. It's a win-win for gardeners and growers alike.
Daffodil Lovers Through And Through
At Bulbs Direct, we're proud to stock a hand-picked selection of New Zealand-bred daffodils, many of which are in minimal supply. So, if you're keen to get your hands on something truly special (and truly local), don't dilly-dally, these beauties don’t stick around for long!
Happy gardening,
Kayne and the Bulbs Direct Squad 🌼
