DAFFODIL, NARCISSUS, and JONQUIL Facts

COLORS

Yellow, white, orange-red, salmon

LIGHT

Full sun to full shade

SOIL

Well drained

WATER

During dry periods only. Overwatering may cause rotting.

pH

Slightly acid to neutral

HARDINESS

Known for their winter hardiness

USES

Fields, beds, borders, containers, as cut flowers, for forcing indoors; some have very sweet fragrance

TIP

Do not remove leaves following flowering. Allow to die down naturally.
Mix some organic matter (such as peat moss) into the soil when planting to improve drainage.

DAFFODILS, NARCISSUS, JONQUILS

All part of the Narcissus genus, these plants require low maintenance, they multiply rapidly in the heat and cold, they are versatile for different garden scenarios and they provide extremely wide flower form and color. Most provide extended bloom seasons and are hardy in harsh cold. They work well under trees and flowering shrubs, among ground cover plants, near water, in woodland gardens or in borders. Cut daffodils will last for about a week.

Leaves on these plants are generally straight and flat or narrow and rush-like. Flowers are usually "cups" with long petals and may be single or clustered. Colors are primarily yellow and white although orange, red, apricot, pink and cream varieties are available. Some of the best-known varieties include trumpet daffodils, with the single cup, or trumpet, of the flower at least as long as the stem; the large-cupped daffodil, whose single cup is as big around but shorter than that of a trumpet; small-cupped daffodils, which have flat flowers with a short cup; and double narcissi, which have more than one row of petals. Jonquils have as many as six flowers per stem. Certain varieties of narcissi and jonquils are known for their pleasant fragrances.

Daffodils, narcissi and jonquils work well under trees and flowering shrubs, among ground cover plants, near water, in woodland gardens or in borders.

FERTILIZING DAFFODILS, NARCISSUS, JONQUILS

Narcissi like full sun or light shade and well-drained sandy loam. Large varieties should be planted at least 6 inches apart and at least 6 inches deep. Smaller varieties can be planted closer together and not as deep. For best results, work Vigoro® All Purpose Plant Food into the soil early in the spring when leaves first emerge. Flowers should face the sun after planting.

Do not cut down the foliage of these plants until it has turned brown. Well-established plantings will increase by themselves but benefit by being dug up and divided every five years or so. To do that, wait until the foliage has died, dig up the plants and pull apart the bulbs that can be easily separated. Either replant immediately or store them in a cool place until later in the summer. Do not store for more than 3 weeks.

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