Narcissus cyclamineus 'Jack Snipe'

CYCLAMINEUS DAFFODIL
syn. N/A
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Pronounced: nar-SIS-us sik-la-MIN-ee-us

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Bulbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: USDA zones: Daffodils will grow in all USDA zones with the exception of southern Florida or warmer areas.
Mature size:
Height: 8-10 inches (15-20 cm).
Flowering period:
Late March to early April.
Flowering attributes:
Stem bears one flower. White perianth slightly reflexed, with a short, yellow cup.
Leaf attributes:
Narrow, 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 the plant's 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; 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

This mid-season bloomer is a 1951 introduction. I planted 50 of them in a large shallow container and what a show it was! I planted another 50 around three epimediums—Epimedium 'Rubrum'—whose leaves were pruned to the ground in winter. When the daffodils finish blooming, the epimediums will grow great new foliage, which hides the dying leaves of the narcissus.

The heart stealing, small flowers put on a big presence when mass planted in a pot or in the ground. Planted either way, the little guys stand up to ten inches tall. They may be small but they’re tough and proudly hold their flowers on a strong stem. When the flowers first open, the perianth is a creamy yellow hue that turns white when the flower matures.

As with most daffodils, N. 'Jack Snipe' is first-rate for forcing and is also a wonderful cut flower. Daffodils last four to six days in a vase. Preservatives do not prolong the flowers; this step is not necessary. The blossoms 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 combining with other cut flowers.

In fall, plant bulbs four to six inches deep and three to six inches apart. The flowers face a southerly direction towards the sun, so you want to plant them with their flower faces towards the viewer.

Daffodils are harmful if eaten and the bulbs can be a skin irritant.

More Narcissus.

Photographed in author's garden.