Daffodils or Jonquils: Planting, Growing and Caring

Botany

Daffodils are perennial bulbous plants, native to the Mediterranean region: Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. A few species also grow in Asia. In the wild in France, you can find the Poet’s Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus), Narcissus bulbocodium, or the wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). The latter grows in meadows and forests, where it sometimes forms quite dense stands. It is particularly abundant in Alsace and the Vosges.

Daffodils belong to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes over 2,000 species of mostly bulbous plants. It includes many plants commonly grown in gardens, such as Amaryllis, Alliums, Snowdrops or Agapanthus.

There are nearly a hundred species of daffodils. But they have been extensively hybridised, giving rise to thousands of varieties. There are now so many that the Royal Horticultural Society has divided them into 13 groups, based on flower shape, corona, or their resemblance to a species (Tazetta daffodils, Triandrus daffodils, etc.).

Etymologically, Narcissus comes from the Greek narkao (ναρκάω), meaning to numb, to be numb, to sleep, because the bulb has narcotic properties.

Narcissus poeticus (photo Björn S.), Narcissus pseudonarcissus and Narcissus ‘Tricollet’

It is generally considered that jonquils are yellow-flowered, solitary daffodils with a long central corona (trumpet), like Narcissus pseudonarcissus. However, from a botanical point of view, the “true” jonquil is Narcissus jonquilla. It gets its name from its fine leaves that resemble the stems of rush (Juncus). This jonquil is quite rare in gardens.

Daffodils are very hardy plants. They actually need a period of cold before they can flower in spring. The least hardy seem to be Narcissus tazetta, and certain varieties like Narcissus bulbocodium ‘Cantabricus’ (hardy down to –10°C).

Daffodils form an upright clump, from which hollow flower stems and fine, straight leaves emerge. The height of daffodils varies: the smallest varieties measure only 10 or 15 centimetres in height (Narcissus bulbocodium…), while the tallest can reach up to 50 centimetres!

Depending on the variety, the flowering period extends from late winter to late spring. The earliest daffodils can flower as early as February, while the latest will flower from late April or early May. The flowering period does not last very long, at most up to two weeks. In the wild, there are a few autumn-flowering species, such as Narcissus serotinus. It is also possible to force the bulbs to flower in winter.

The flowers can be solitary, as in Narcissus pseudonarcissus, with a single flower per stem, but they can also be grouped, forming small bouquets. Thus, in Narcissus tazetta, the flower stems bear up to 15 or 20 flowers!

The flowers are composed of six tepals (three sepals and three petals, which look the same), and have a corona in the centre, in the form of a more or less flared tube. This is sometimes short, but often well developed, quite long. It is usually coloured a brighter shade than the petals. In some varieties, it is split, giving the impression of having a second row of petals (as in the daffodils ‘Trepolo’ or ‘Tripartite’). In the centre, inside the corona, the flower bears six stamens, except for Narcissus triandrus, which has only three.

Narcissus jonquilla: botanical plate

The flowers can be single-coloured, entirely white or entirely yellow, but they are often bicoloured, with white or yellow tepals and a corona of a brighter colour (bright yellow or orange). The flowers can also be marked with pink or red. There is even a green-flowered daffodil: Narcissus viridiflorus!

The flowers are often single, giving them a very natural look, but there are double-flowered varieties, and even “orchid-flowered” varieties, with a sophisticated appearance. The flowers of Narcissus bulbocodium are very original, with a large trumpet-shaped corona, surrounded by very fine tepals. The flowers of daffodils vary greatly in size: those of Narcissus bulbocodium or Narcissus tazetta are often 2 or 3 centimetres in diameter, while the flowers of some varieties like Narcissus ‘Obdam’ can exceed 10 centimetres in diameter!

Daffodils sometimes offer very fragrant blooms! This is the case with Poet’s Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus), Tazetta Narcissus and certain varieties like Narcissus ‘Fragrant Rose’ or Narcissus ‘Geranium’.

Botanical daffodils are appreciated for their very natural and wild appearance. Moreover, they usually naturalise quite well!

The leaves of daffodils are linear, elongated, fine. They emerge from the base of the clump and stand upright. They are often bluish-green, glaucous, and can also be bright green. They can grow up to 70 centimetres long. Generally, the longest leaves reach the height of the flowers, sometimes exceeding them. The true jonquil, Narcissus jonquilla, which is rare in cultivation, is distinguished by its extremely fine leaves, which resemble rush stems, hence its name.

Daffodils have bulbs that are located about ten centimetres below the soil surface. They allow the plant to store nutrients to survive the bad season and flower again in spring. After flowering, in late spring, the leaves wither and the plant goes dormant again. Over the years, the bulbs grow and divide, producing new small bulbs that allow the plant to multiply.

Daffodil bulbs (photo iBulb – Wouter Koppen)

The fruit of daffodils is a three-chambered capsule containing small black, rounded seeds. These seeds need a period of cold to germinate in spring.

They are ideal plants for making bouquets! Daffodils can last up to two weeks in a vase. Due to the toxicity of the sap, we advise you not to mix them with other flowers in a vase, as they may cause them to wilt faster. Otherwise, you will need to change the water every day to better preserve your bouquet.

The fruits and seeds of Daffodils (photo Muséum de Toulouse – Roger Culos)

Botanical species:

• Narcissus pseudonarcissus

The Wild Daffodil, often called the Lent Lily, bears solitary flowers, with pale yellow petals, and in the centre a large corona, of a brighter yellow. It flowers early, in March, and naturalises easily.

• Narcissus jonquilla

This is the true jonquil, with yellow flowers and a large central corona. It is native to Spain and Portugal, and gets its name from its very fine, rush-like foliage.

• Narcissus poeticus

The Poet’s Narcissus bears, from April, solitary white flowers with a small corona marked with a red edge in the centre. A very elegant and fragrant bloom!

• Narcissus tazetta

A superb daffodil, whose early flowering sometimes arrives as early as the end of winter. Its inflorescences group up to 15 or 20 small fragrant flowers, with white petals and a small yellow corona in the centre.

The main varieties of daffodils

Most Popular:

Our Favourite Varieties:

Other Varieties to Discover:

Narcissus 'Dutch Master'

This is a robust variety with large, solitary golden-yellow flowers featuring a prominent central crown. One of our most imposing varieties, it's the classic yellow daffodil with a large trumpet. It will bring vibrant brightness to your flower beds! Its foliage has a bluish tint.

• Flowering time May
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus poeticus Actaea

A simple yet very elegant and fragrant bloom! The pure white petals beautifully contrast with the small yellow central trumpet edged in red. It naturalises easily.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus Obdam

The ‘Obdam’ daffodil is truly impressive, with its large, double, solitary white flowers resembling gardenias. One of the largest-flowered varieties, they sometimes exceed 10 cm in diameter!

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus x jonquilla Martinette

This variety bears clusters of four or five yellow flowers with a small orange trumpet. They are highly fragrant!

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

 

Narcissus cyclamineus Tête-à-tête

A compact, early-flowering variety, often blooming as early as March. The entirely yellow flowers appear in clusters of two or three. Highly versatile, it adapts perfectly to container growing or rock gardens! It can even be forced for winter blooms.

• Flowering time March to June
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus pseudonarcissus obvallaris

The ‘Obvallaris’ daffodil bears solid, bright yellow blooms with a large trumpet and bluish-green foliage. It naturalises very easily! Very similar to the wild daffodil found in nature.

• Flowering time May
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus cyclamineus February Gold

One of the earliest daffodils, sometimes flowering as early as February! Its entirely yellow blooms feature a long, tube-shaped central trumpet.

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus Minnow

This miniature daffodil charms with its clustered blooms featuring pale yellow petals and a bright yellow trumpet. Ideal for containers near your home to enjoy its delightful fragrance!

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 20 cm

See the product sheet

 

Narcissus poeticus recurvus - Daffodil

This Poet’s Daffodil variety is prized for its elegant, delicate blooms. The pure white petals curve slightly backward, creating a stunning contrast with the central trumpet, yellow edged in red and white.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus triandrus Thalia - Daffodil

The ‘Thalia’ daffodil offers graceful, pure white blooms. It flowers late, from April, and naturalises well. The highly fragrant flowers have a well-developed trumpet and reflexed petals. Perfect for bouquets!

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 35 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus x bulbocodium cantabricus

A unique small daffodil with white blooms featuring a large trumpet surrounded by very narrow petals. The foliage is fine. Appreciated for its delicate, natural look, though slightly less hardy than other daffodils (down to -10°C). Flowers in winter or early spring!

• Height at maturity 10 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus papyraceus Paperwhite

This tall variety produces superb, highly fragrant blooms! Ideal for containers, where its pure white flowers add elegance. One of the best varieties for forcing.

• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus triandrus Hawera - Daffodil

The ‘Hawera’ daffodil is a small variety with bell-shaped blooms featuring reflexed, soft yellow petals. Loved for its delicate flowering in gentle tones. Blooms quite late, in mid-spring. Its foliage is very fine.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus Tahiti

A stunning double-flowered, fragrant variety that naturalises easily! It stands out in late spring with its yellow blooms tinged with orange.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Narcissus New Baby

A dwarf variety, surprising with its bicoloured white and yellow blooms. The inflorescences consist of three or four fragrant flowers. A rather late-flowering daffodil, suited to pots or rock gardens.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

 

To make the right choice, check out our guide: “Which Daffodil or Jonquil to Choose”

Planting

Where to plant daffodils?

Plant your daffodils in full sun or partial shade. Too much shade may limit flowering, but they will thrive at the base of deciduous trees or shrubs. Daffodils grow easily almost anywhere and can even tolerate heavy or clay soils! However, some species like Narcissus tazetta and Narcissus triandrus prefer well-drained soil. Smaller varieties are well-suited for rock gardens.

We recommend grouping them to create small clumps rather than planting them individually. You can also plant them randomly, for example by scattering and planting them where they fall. Don’t hesitate to plant them en masse in a lawn… The effect in spring will be spectacular when it’s covered with a multitude of yellow or white flowers! Once established, daffodils can naturalise and return year after year, requiring no maintenance.

You can also plant daffodils in pots or containers, possibly combined with other bulbs like hyacinths, muscari, or tulips. They can be forced for winter flowering.

When to plant them?

Plant them in autumn, ideally from September to early November. Early planting will allow the bulbs to flower earlier in spring. However, they can still be planted as late as December.

How to plant daffodils?

We recommend spacing the bulbs about 10 centimetres apart to give them room to develop properly.

Planting daffodils (photo iBulb – Wouter Koppen)

1. Dig a hole, about three times the height of the bulb (usually between 10 and 15 centimetres deep). You can use a bulb planter.
2. Place the bulb, pointed end upwards.
3. Cover with soil.
4. Gently firm the soil.
5. Water.

Also check out our video guide – Planting daffodil bulbs:

And to learn everything about planting daffodils, explore our advice sheet: “Daffodil or Jonquil – planting and care”

Also discover “Planting and caring for daffodil bulbs in pots”

Maintenance

Daffodils require almost no maintenance! Unlike other bulbs, they are spared by rodents as they are toxic (thus, when mixed with tulips, they will protect them!). After flowering, you must leave the foliage in place until it has completely dried out. The plant replenishes its reserves: mowing the lawn while the leaves are still green could jeopardise the following year’s flowering.

After flowering, it is best to remove faded flowers for aesthetic reasons and to avoid unnecessarily exhausting the plant. You can also apply a fertiliser rich in potassium and low in nitrogen.

→ Read also: How to care for daffodils after flowering?

Daffodils do not need watering in summer—on the contrary, they need to stay dry while dormant. However, in spring, late-flowering varieties will appreciate watering if the weather is dry.

You can divide daffodils every three or four years to aerate and rejuvenate clumps. This will encourage flowering and prevent your bulbs from becoming exhausted. Preferably do this in early summer, once the plant has entered dormancy.

Slugs sometimes nibble on daffodil petals! You can protect them by spreading wood chips around your bulbs as a barrier or by planting repellent companion plants nearby, such as thyme or wormwood. The larvae of the Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris) may also tunnel into the bulbs.

Propagation

We recommend propagating your daffodils by dividing clumps. Sowing is also possible, but this technique is best reserved for botanical species, and you’ll need to wait at least three to four years before they flower.

Dividing Clumps

You can divide your daffodil clumps every four years, in early summer, when the foliage has completely yellowed and the plant has gone dormant.

1. Dig up the clump with a garden fork to lift the bulbs, taking care not to damage them.
2. Remove excess soil if necessary.
3. Separate the bulbs by hand and gently untangle their roots.
4. Replant them immediately: dig holes and place the bulbs at a depth three times their height.
5. Cover with soil and firm down.

It’s important not to delay replanting the bulbils. They should not stay out of the ground for too long, as they may dry out.

To learn everything about planting them, check out our planting guide:
“Daffodil or Jonquil: Planting and Care”

→ Also discover how to propagate bulbs by scaling in our tutorial!

Association

Daffodils create a stunning effect when planted en masse in a lawn! In spring, it becomes covered with white or yellow flowers. You can let them naturalise. Whether in a lawn, border or pot, we recommend pairing daffodils with other spring bulbs: tulips, grape hyacinths, hyacinths, fritillaries… In a flowerbed, you could add some perennials, such as elegant Bleeding Hearts. Smaller daffodil varieties, particularly Narcissus tazetta, are well-suited to rock gardens. They will complement houseleeks, sedums, carnations or ornamental grasses.

Tulipa ‘Cairo’ (photo iBulb – Wouter Koppen) – Fritillaria meleagris – Tulips and Narcissus ‘Geranium’ (photo iBulb – Steven Bemelman) – Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Daffodils work beautifully when planted beneath deciduous trees or shrubs. You could time their flowering to coincide with ornamental cherries or forsythias. Also take advantage of decorative bark, such as that of Cornus sanguinea or Cornus alba.

You can create very elegant flowerbeds using only white flowers, for example by combining Narcissus ‘Mount Hood’ with ‘Concerto’ tulips, ‘Carnegie’ hyacinths and ‘The Bride’ anemones. But don’t hesitate to play with contrasts either: use the light blooms of daffodils to highlight deeper hues, like the rich blue of Iris reticulata or the dark tones of Fritillaria persica!

A lovely combination of white flowers with daffodils ‘Mount Hood’, tulips ‘Concerto’, hyacinths ‘Carnegie’, grape hyacinths ‘White Magic’ and anemones ‘The Bride’

Need more inspiration? Visit our planting combinations guide: “Daffodil or Jonquil: 8 Planting Combination Ideas”

Did you know?

• Narcissus in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful yet arrogant young man. He rejected the advances of the nymph Echo, who then appealed to Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance. As a result, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in the water and became unable to look away. Enthralled, he drowned and was transformed into the flower that now bears his name.

This myth gave rise to the term narcissism.

• Must-See: A Narcissus Collection!
  

Located in Granges-sur-Vologne in the Vosges region, the Berchigranges Garden boasts an exceptional collection of narcissi, featuring around 650 species and varieties. A great place to visit in April-May!

• The Daffodil Festival

The Daffodil Festival takes place every two years in Gérardmer, in the Vosges, at the beginning of spring in April. Floats parade through the town, adorned with countless daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus, which grow abundantly in the region).