Scientific Name
Narcissus - Hardy I
Common Name
Daffodils, Jonquils
NARCISSUS (DAFFODILS) - Hardy I
(Cultivars are available in yellow, white, and bicolored flowers. Click here for cultivar information!)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Narcissus (Daffodils) flowers in early to late spring (Feb. to May) for 2-3 weeks (each cultivar) and plants are 8 to 12 inches tall, depending on the cultivar. Most are fragrant.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Europe
2. Common names: Daffodils, Jonquils
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy I - Injured at temperatures below 23 degrees F (-5C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offset bulblets and requires a warm (60 to 70F) - cool (32 to 40F) - warm (50 to 60F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, fresh cut flowers, ground covers, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: Double Nose III, II, I and Round 3.
2. Planting density: 2-3 inches apart, 10-12 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 8 inches to base of the bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 5 with mulch, Zones 6 to 9 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Chaenomeles japonica, Forsythia, Jasminum nudiflorum, Muscari armeniacum, Lavender tulip cultivars, Vinca minor, Hammamelis, Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

Narcissus jonquilla

Narcissus bulbocodium

N.cyclamineus

'Peeping Tom'

N.triandrus 'Thalia'

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.