Narcissus cyclamineus 'Jetfire'
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CYCLAMINEUS DAFFODIL
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Pronounced: nar-SIS-us sik-la-MIN-ee-us
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Bulbs.
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Mature size: Height: 6-8inches (15-20 cm).
Flowering period: Late winter.
Flowering attributes: Stem bears one flower. Yellow perianth slightly reflexed, with an orange cup and light streaking.
Leaf attributes: Long, strap-like, green leaves.
Growth habit: Clump-forming.
Light: Full sun to dappled shade.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: After flowering, apply a low nitrogen/high potash fertilizer. At planting time, toss bone meal or high potash fertilizer into planting hole.
Propagation methods: After the leaves dry up, lift bulbs and separate them to increase supply.
Pruning methods: Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation so that its energy goes into the bulb, not seed production. Do not cut foliage off until it dies down. The foliage helps feed the bulb for next year's flowers so it is important that it stay on the plant until it turns brown. Naturalized in grass, the daffodil foliage needs to ripen for at least six weeks after flowering, before mowing.
Pests and diseases: Slugs may be a problem. In poorly-drained soil, bulb rot may occur.
Rainy Side Notes
An early bloomer, N. ‘Jetfire’ brings bright colors to the late winter to early spring landscape. The reflexed petals give the flower a look of motion, or at least some attitude, like a cat with its ears back.
Plant breeder Grant E. Mitsch bred the little cyclamineus daffodil and it is considered one of the best of the American hybrids. It naturalizes well and is suitable for woodland gardens. The Royal Horticulture Society gave it an Award of Garden Merit in 1995.
As with most daffodils, N. "Jetfire' is first-rate for forcing and wonderful as a cut flower. In the vase daffodils last four to six days. Preservatives do not prolong the flowers, so it is not necessary. They secrete a mucous from their stems that is unfavorable to other cut flowers. Daffodils can be used alone in the vase or hardened for 12-24 hours in fresh water by themselves, with at least one water change. Rinse stems before placing with other cut flowers.
Daffodils are harmful if eaten and the bulb can be a skin irritant.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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