Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' Narcissus 'Jack Snipe' (6)
ABOUT
'Jack Snipe' is a small bulbous perennial to 20cm in height, with narrow, dark green leaves and flowers 4cm across with reflexed creamy-white perianth segments and a short, bright yellow corona
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Jack Snipe Daffodil, Dwarf Daffodil, Cyclamineus Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Jack Snipe'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: Jack Snipe daffodils are low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making them easy to grow for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: They produce beautiful flowers in early spring, adding color to gardens after the winter months.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, once planted, they will return year after year without needing to be replanted.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of your garden and the environment.
- Naturalizing: Over time, Jack Snipe daffodils can spread and naturalize, creating larger displays of blooms with minimal effort.
- Cold Tolerant: They are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making them suitable for a range of climates.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Narcissus 'Jack Snipe' bulbs can be used as a natural pest repellent due to their toxic properties that deter moles and voles from gardens.
- The crushed stems and leaves can be applied to cracks and crevices as a natural insect repellent, keeping ants and other insects at bay.
- These flowers can be made into dyes for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from green to yellow depending on the mordants used.
- The plants can be incorporated into permaculture designs, as they deter deer and rodents, proving useful in creating a balanced ecosystem.
- Used as a cut flower, Narcissus 'Jack Snipe' can be included in floral arrangements for its aesthetics without adding any scent, beneficial for individuals with fragrance sensitivities.
- Dried and powdered Narcissus 'Jack Snipe' bulbs have been historically used to make a natural glue when mixed with water.
- Planted near beehives, they can attract pollinators early in the season although their pollen is not collected by bees; they serve to indicate to beekeepers an early start of the forage season.
- The flowers can be pressed and used in art and craft projects, such as making bookmarks or adding decoration to homemade paper.
- These plants are sometimes used in "green burials" where biodegradable materials are preferred, as their bulbs are believed to decompose naturally.
- Narcissus 'Jack Snipe' can be planted in school yards and educational gardens as an early-blooming plant to help teach children about the lifecycle of plants and the changing of seasons.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth: As a spring-blooming flower, the narcissus often symbolizes renewal and the start of new beginnings.
- New Year: In Chinese culture, narcissus is often associated with the Chinese New Year and symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.
- Hope: The flower's ability to thrive in early spring conveys a message of hope and optimism.
- Self-esteem: The Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, contributes to its symbolism surrounding self-love and vanity.
- Wealth: In some traditions, because of its association with the New Year, narcissus can also symbolize wealth and success.
- Vanity: Due to its connection with the mythological figure Narcissus, this flower may carry a connotation of excessive self-admiration and egotism.
- Water
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' prefers evenly moist soil, particularly during the growing season. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which usually amounts to about once a week. Depending on the weather and soil drainage, this could be more or less frequent. A good soaking of approximately 1 gallon of water for every square foot every week is a good rule of thumb. It's crucial to reduce watering after the flowers have bloomed and the leaves start to yellow, indicating the plant is entering dormancy.
- Light
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' thrives in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for these bulbs is a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Filtered sunlight is acceptable as well, but the blooms may not be as prolific. It is important to avoid deep shade since it can hinder flower development and lead to poor plant growth.
- Temperature
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for colder climates. They prefer the spring temperature range of 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for flowering. Daffodils should be planted in areas that avoid extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 75 degrees Fahrenheit can impede their growth and dormancy cycle.
- Pruning
Pruning Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' mainly involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Foliage should only be cut back once it has yellowed and withered, typically about 6 weeks after flowering, as this allows the bulb to gather energy for the next season. Pruning usually happens annually after the flowering period.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil mix should consist of loamy garden soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients. Avoid waterlogged soils as good drainage is crucial to prevent bulb rot.
- Repotting
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' typically does not require frequent repotting. It is often grown as a perennial bulb that can be left in the ground where it will naturalize over time. If grown in pots, it may be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' does not require specific humidity conditions as it is quite tolerant of a range of climates. It grows well in the moderate humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments without the need for additional humidity control.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place 'Jack Snipe' in bright, indirect light, and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant 'Jack Snipe' in sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Daffodil 'Jack Snipe' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the summer. In the fall, the bulb roots actively grow to anchor the plant and absorb nutrients from the soil. In late winter or early spring, the bulb initiates growth, and stems, leaves, and flower buds emerge from the ground, benefiting from the cool temperatures. The plant blooms in early spring, producing white flowers with a yellow trumpet, which attracts pollinators such as bees. After flowering, the leaves photosynthesize to generate food which is stored in the bulb for the next cycle. Once the leaves die back in late spring or early summer, the plant returns to dormancy until the cycle restarts in the fall.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early Autumn
The Narcissus 'Jack Snipe', commonly known as the daffodil, is primarily propagated through division of bulbs, a process that is best done in the late summer, after the leaves have died back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and separate any offset bulbs that have formed around the main bulb. These offsets, or "daughter" bulbs, are a clone of the mother plant and will produce an identical plant. Replant the separated bulbs at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) apart to ensure that they have enough room to grow. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to encourage root development before the ground freezes in winter.