Two conflicting things to never do with daffodils in NJ

Daffodils. Who doesn't love those brightly colored flowers that are among the first to appear throughout the Great Garden State?

In fact, early April is a prime time to see them popping up all over New Jersey. Yes, some may vary in color a little, but the vast majority of them are yellow.

And after such a long winter, this common flower around the Garden State is having a slightly later start then in years past. Nevertheless, once they're here, expect them to stick around for several weeks before dying off.

What you may not know

Even after they die off, which is typically in May, the plants are still hard at work as they prepare for their colorful debut next spring. Luckily for us, when that happens, other types of flowers emerge to help keep the landscape bright and colorful.

But for as nice as that they may be, there are some actions you might allow to happen that actually pose a health hazard. Not necessarily to us, but to our pets, as well as the plant itself.

Before we dive into the primary issue, let's first talk about our pets. Did you know that daffodils are toxic to our furry friends?

Issue #1 - Pet Problems

If you have pets and daffodils growing in your yard, you'll want to train them to stay away from these flowers. Especially if you have the kind of pets that like to chew up every plant imaginable.

Not just daffodils, but other flowers too. Before we look at the other things you shouldn't do, here are a few other flowers that may be both toxic and/or poisonous to pets.

Although these are unsafe for pets, there are a few other options included that are completely safe should they consume them. Afterward, we'll talk about that other issue regarding what you should never do with daffodils.

Issue #2 - Cutting Back

As flowers, including those brightly colored daffodils, begin to age, you might be tempted to cut them back. Especially if you have pets, since they might want to play or chew up those dying flowers.

But even without pets, many around the Garden State might want to trim back those dying leaves and flowers to help the yard look nicer. But that's not a good idea since that would affect the health of the flower.

Bulb flowers like daffodils, in particular, are still hard at work even after the flowers die off. They need their foliage left alone so they can store the energy necessary to come back next year.

Most people might not be aware of this, which is why it's important to highlight. Yes, it might not look as good toward the end of its life cycle, but letting your daffodils do what they need to is key to their survival the next growing season. But as for your pets?

Two Conflicting Actions

On the one hand, cutting them back sooner rather than later is safer for your pets since daffodils are dangerous for them to consume. On the other hand, you risk the health of the plant itself by not allowing it to complete its life cycle and die back completely on its own.

The best thing to do in general is to let the daffodils be and die back on their own. Even as the leaves brown, just leave them alone to ensure their successful return next spring.

And for those with pets? Try to keep them away from those daffodils, or grow the flowers in an area your pets can't get to.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.