NARCISSUS (DAFFODILS) - Hardy I
Cultivars are available with yellow, white, and bicolored flowers.

Flowering Characteristics
Narcissus (Daffodils) flower early to late spring (Feb. to May) for two to three weeks (each cultivar). Plants are 8 to 12 inches tall, depending on the cultivar. Most are fragrant.

General Characteristics
Origin of species: Europe
Common names: Daffodils, Jonquils
Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
Hardiness type: Hardy I. They will tolerate some freezing weather.
Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offset bulblets and requires a warm (60-70°F) - cool (32-40°F) - warm (50-60°F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, fresh but flowers, ground covers, and sunny borders of trees and shrubs.

Cultural Information
Bulb sizes: Double Nose 3, 2, 1, Round 3
Planting density: 2 to 3 inches apart, 10 to 12 per sq. ft.
Planting depth: 6 or 8 inches to base of the bulb, depending on the bulb size.
Planting time: Fall
Perennialization habit:

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
-
-
-
M
P
P
P
P
-
-

Light requirements:

Full Sun
PM Sun Only
AM Sun Only
25% Shade
50% Shade
XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX    


Moisture: Tolerates summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
Animal susceptibility: Not susceptible.

Companion Plants: Aesculus pavia, Aesculus flava, Acer palmatum, Berberis, Chaenomeles japonica, Corylopsis, Cotoneaster, Deutzia gracilis, Forsythia x intermedia, Hammamelis, Helleborus sp., Jasminum nudiflorum, Muscari armeniacum, Lavender tulip cultivars, Rhododendron sp. (deciduous and evergreen), Vinca minor, Weigela.

Descriptions of Hardy I Narcissus (Daffodils) for Gardening, Landscaping, and Perennialization (up to USDA climatic zone 5) in North America.1

Cultivar Name
Narcissus
(Daffodil)
Division
Flower Colors
Flowering
Period
(Spring)
Average
Plant Height
(inches/cm)
Perianth
Corona
Avalanche
8
 White Yellow Early 12-14/30-40
Baby Moon
7
 Yellow Yellow Late 10-12/25-30
Bridal Crown
4
 White Yellow Medium 10-12/25-30
Canaliculatus
10
 White Yellow Early 4-6/10-15
Cragford
8
 White Orange Early 12-16/30-40
Hawera
5
 Yellow Yellow Late 8-10/20-25
Jack Snipe
6
 White Yellow Medium 8-10/20-25
Jumblie
6
 Yellow Orange Early 10-12/25-30
Minnow
8
 Yellow Yellow Middle 8-10/20-25
Quince
6
 Yellow Yellow Medium 6-8/15-20
Recurvus
10
 White Red Late 10-12/25-30
Scarlet Gem
8
 Yellow Red Medium 10-12/25-30
Sir Winston Churchill
4
 White Orange Late 10-12/25-30
Tête à Tête
6
 Yellow Yellow Early 4-6/10-15

1Hardy I Narcissus are comprised primarily of Triandrus, Cyclamineus, Jonquilla and some Tazetta division cultivars.

Consumer Horticulture | Bulletin 41: Narcissus