Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common Name: Daffodil

Native to the northern hemisphere, mainly central Europe and the Mediterranean region, with one species extending through to China and Japan, these lovely, bulbous plants are very popular with gardeners throughout warm to cool areas of the world. Daffodils are probably the best known and most widely grown of all bulbs, and to many they are a true indicator of spring. They look wonderful mass planted in the garden but they also make great pot plants and excellent cut flowers. In large gardens in cool climates, they are often naturalized in grass. The jonquils, or Jonquilla group of narcissus, are particularly attractive with their heads of several, small, often highly scented flowers. They flower in mid to late spring. There are over 50 known species and thousands of cultivars. Experts divide the genus into 12 groups, depending on the flower form and size. Home gardeners should know what conditions they need to grow narcissus successfully.

Forms

The foliage of the trumpet forms grows 30-40 cm (12-16 in) high, while the flowers may be taller. The most popular daffodil is the bright yellow, trumpet-shaped bloom, but there are many white, cream and pink cultivars and others with two tones. Many have a delightful perfume. Modern hybrids with split trumpets are also available. The Large-cupped and Small-cupped daffodils are popular and have cup-shaped coronas rather than trumpets. Often the flowers are bi-coloured.

N. bulbocodium and N. cantabricus, zone 8, are known as hoop-petticoat daffodils. They have narrow, almost cylindrical foliage and yellow or white flowers.

Small-growing hybrids of the species N. cyclamineus and N. triandrus, angel's tears, zone 4, often have reflexed petals. The flowers of the lovely N. poeticus, pheasant's eye or poet's narcissus, zone 4, are fragrant and mainly white, with a flat central corona, edged with red. The Tazetta group, zone 8, has stems bearing tour to eight flowers, as do those of the Jonquilla group, zone 4. Jonquils produce yellow, orange, white or cream flowers on sterns 30-40 cm (12-16 in) high. Some of the most popular Tazetta cultivars are 'Paper White', with white flowers, and 'Grand Soleil d'Or', with yellow petals and orange cups. The Jonquil cultivar 'Erlicheer' is a rich creamy double, with a very strong fragrance. They look lovely planted in groups in the garden or crowded into pots. They are very tough, often surviving in old gardens after everything else has perished, although flowering may be poorer.

Cultivation

Plant in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, though jonquils will tolerate poorer soils. Both grow best in a sunny spot, but will tolerate shade for part of the day. Some protection from strong wind is desirable. Plant bulbs of tall daffodils about 15 cm (6 in) deep and 10-15 cm (4-6 in) apart, and those of the dwarf kinds 8 cm (3 in) deep and 8-10 cm (3-4 in) apart, in late summer or early autumn. Give a thorough watering after planting, but do not water again until foliage appears. Water regularly during growth and flowering. Feed with blood, fish and bone or complete plant food after flowering has finished. Spent flowers should be removed and foliage allowed to die off naturally. If drainage is good, bulbs may be left in the ground and divided every three years or so. Narcissus do have a few problems. One of the most serious, as there is no cure, is virus, particularly one which causes yellow streaking of the foliage and stunted growth. If this is noticed, dig up and destroy the bulbs. Various fungi can cause bulbs to rot. Slugs and snails are a particularly serious problem in many gardens. They will eat the foliage as well as the blooms and are most active during wet or damp weather.

Climate

Best in cool climates; zone 6, unless otherwise specified below.