Yellow Narcissus Narcissus jonquilla

Credit: Jon Sullivan

Yellow flower Narcissus jonquilla

Credit: Alice Rosen

Narcissus jonquilla true daffodils

Credit: David J. Stang

True daffodil flower

Credit: Jody Shugart

Daffodils true yellow narcissus

Credit: Jon Sullivan

Narcissus jonquilla, the true daffodil

For botanists, the real daffodil is Narcissus jonquilla. This plant of the Amaryllidaceae family is native to the Iberian Peninsula. Found in western Europe and the eastern United States, it can be recognized by its yellow trumpet-shaped flower.

How to recognize Narcissus jonquilla, the true daffodil?

Narcissus jonquilla is a bulbous, flowering perennial. It grows to around 30 centimetres in height and, when in flower, has an upright habit.

The true daffodil blooms in early spring. The ovoid bulb gives rise to one or two green, cylindrical stems. Each can bear four to six fragrant flowers in umbels. Six yellow petals, fused together, surround a short, yellow tube.

The green leaves are at the base of the plant, as in narcissus tazetta. Narrow, linear and cylindrical, they grow in twos or fours.

Narcissus jonquilla is toxic to humans and animals. All parts of the plant can cause vomiting and nausea if ingested. Make sure your cat or dog doesn't dig up the bulb to crunch it! It's the most toxic part!

Our maintenance tips

You can leave bulbs in the ground all year round. However, they will bloom more beautifully if you remove them and give them a resting period in a dry, dark place.

Watering

As daylight hours and temperatures drop into spring, your plant needs special watering.

Let the soil dry on the surface between two applications of water. Water your Narcissus jonquilla with non-calcareous water, such as reclaimed rainwater. To avoid water stress, make sure the water is at room temperature.

If you use a saucer or planter, remove any water that stagnates at the bottom. It could rot the roots.

During the rest of the year, adjust the watering frequency of your Narcissus jonquilla.

Your Narcissus jonquilla tolerates thirst better than excess water. Water only when the soil is three to five centimeters dry. Choose moderate rather than heavy watering, and always use non-calcareous water at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, drain off any stagnant water. It can rot the roots.

Repotting

Plant narcissus jonquilla in a pierced pot or window box at least 20 centimetres deep. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Fill the pot with potting soil or garden soil. Plant your bulb at a depth of around fifteen centimetres. The tip should face upwards.

Cover the bulb completely with substrate. Tamp gently and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Prune

Once the flowers have faded, cut the stem flush with the ground.

The bulb needs the foliage to replenish its reserves. Do not prune the leaves while they are green. When they are dry, dig up the bulb, clean it to remove the soil and remove the leaves.

Store your bulb in a dry place, away from frost and light.

Plantation

Dig a hole three times as high as the bulb and a little wider. You can place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your bulb vertically, at a depth of fifteen centimetres. The tip should point skywards and the base in contact with the soil. Cover your bulb completely with soil. When planting several narcissus jonquilla side by side, space them at least fifteen centimetres apart.

Tamp and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Cutting

Cutting takes place in autumn.

When the leaves have wilted, dig them up. If you find bulblets, use them to propagate your plant.

Obtain a pierced pot or planter at least 20 centimetres deep. You can make a drainage layer, with clay balls or gravel. Then pour in a layer of potting soil or garden soil. You can add sand if your substrate seems too heavy.

Plant your bulbs at a depth of around fifteen centimetres, pointing upwards. Cover with potting compost or soil. Tamp gently and water lightly.

Wintering

During the wintering period, your plant's needs are different.

Keep your bulb in a cool, dry, dark place until planting. Monitor it regularly to make sure it doesn't rot.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Slugs

Information

Family	Amaryllidaceae - Amaryllidaceae
Type	Narcissus - Narcissus
Species	Narcissus jonquilla - Narcissus jonquilla
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Bulb Flowery
Tags	Beginner Increvable Rustic Toxic
Origin	Southern Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	7b
Leaf color
Flower color