Jonquil Growing Guide

Narcissus cyclamineus, Narcissus jonquilla

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun to partial shade. When choosing a site, keep in mind that the flowers may twist to face the sun in low light situations.

Frost tolerant

Yes, jonquils are hardy perennial bulbs, tolerating cold to -30°F (-34°C).

Feeding

The need to feed jonquils depends on the site. In poor soil, feed plants with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring when they are actively growing. Follow up with a granular bulb fertilizer in the autumn.

Spacing

Single Plants: 3" (10cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 3" (10cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant dormant bulbs in groups of 5 or more in fall after the soil has lost its summer warmth, covering them with 2 inches (5 cm) of soil. The bulbs will slowly grow roots through winter and bloom first thing in spring. Thin congested clumps in autumn, or as soon as the first green shoots appear in late winter, by digging up and then replanting some of the bulbs elsewhere.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Jonquil is the common name for small, early daffodils such as the yellow ‘Tete-a-Tete’ variety, which is remarkable for its light fragrance. Numerous other varieties are available in white, yellow, or orange. Jonquils bloom in late winter, and often get covered with snow. Cold snaps can injure stems that are holding blossoms, but rarely hurt the plants. Because many jonquil blossoms nod downward, they are ideal for slightly elevated spots, or you can cut them and enjoy the flowers indoors. Jonquils are at their best when allowed to naturalize, often forming thick clumps that persist for many years.

Harvesting

Gather stems for use in cut arrangements as you need them. Allow jonquil foliage time to grow after the flowers have gone to insure strong blooming the next year.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Jonquil

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail