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 -34°C F (-30°F).

Feeding

The need to feed jonquils depends on the site. In poor soil, feed plants with a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring when they are actively growing. Follow up with a granular bulb fertiliser when the plants have finished flowering but the leaves are still green.

Spacing

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

Sow and Plant

Plant dormant bulbs in groups of 5 or more in mid summer to autumn, covering them with 5cm (2 inches) 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 personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Jonquil is the common name for small, multi flowered Narcissus, which are highly scented and often grown commercially as cut flowers. Numerous cultivars are available in white, yellow, or orange. Jonquils bloom in late winter to early spring, and often get covered with snow in colder climates. 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 naturalise, 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