Daffodil Narcissus 'Jack Wood' (11a)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Jack Wood', more commonly known as a variety of daffodil, presents itself with an attractive floral display that captures attention in the springtime. The flower has a large, trumpet-shaped bloom that sits atop a sturdy stem, surrounded by a ruff of outer petals. These outer petals are typically broad and slightly overlapping, often pure white or cream in color, which provides a stunning contrast to the central trumpet. The trumpet itself often exhibits a striking color, varying from pale yellow to deeper golden hues, and may even have a slight orange or pink tint at the fringed edges. The interior of the trumpet may display a slightly ribbed texture, adding to its intricate appearance. The plant's foliage is narrow, long, and strap-like, emerging from the base in clumps. Leaves are a deep green, sometimes with a greyish or bluish tint, providing a lush backdrop for the brilliant blooms. As the plant matures through the season, the foliage forms a neat, tidy mound that accentuates the flowers. After blooming, the flowers may develop into capsule-like structures, but it's the blossoms that are the true stars, often arranged in clusters that create a stunning visual impact in gardens or as cut flowers indoors. Overall, the daffodil variety 'Jack Wood' is a springtime delight, with its elegant blooms and pleasing foliage offering gardeners a herald of the warmer months to come.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Jack Wood'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as daffodil is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if ingested. Contact with the sap could also cause skin irritation or rashes. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and even potential to go into a coma.
To pets
Similar to humans, daffodils are toxic to pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even excessive drooling or tremors in pets. Severe poisoning can lead to respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and could potentially be fatal if not treated promptly. It is important to keep daffodils out of reach of pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
6 inches (0.15 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Jack Wood', commonly known as Daffodil, adds vibrant colors and beauty to gardens and landscapes with its attractive blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to rodents and deer, which tend to avoid them due to their toxicity.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Daffodils return annually, providing a long-term investment for gardeners with minimal need for replanting.
- Spring Bloom: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and bringing an early splash of color to the garden.
- Symbolic Flower: Associated with rebirth and new beginnings, Daffodils are often planted for their symbolic value, especially in relation to the spring season.
- Cut Flower: Daffodils hold up well as cut flowers, making them a popular choice for indoor floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Companion Planting: Daffodils can be planted alongside other spring bulbs and perennials to create diverse and attractive garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Narcissus 'Jack Wood', commonly known as Daffodil, can be used in perfumery, providing a sweet and fresh fragrance for various perfumes and scented products.
- Daffodils can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the mordants used.
- Plant fibers from the stem and leaves may be used in papermaking, adding a unique texture and quality to handmade paper.
- They can be planted for erosion control, as their root systems help stabilize the soil and prevent the washing away of topsoil.
- Daffodils can serve as indicator plants since they bloom at specific times, helping gardeners know when to plant other crops.
- When grown in large quantities, daffodils can be used to produce a plant-based insecticide, although this is not common due to the toxic nature of the plant.
- Daffodil bulbs can function as a natural rodent repellent, deterring rodents like voles and mice from gardens due to their toxic properties.
- Used in companion planting, daffodils can protect vegetables like tomatoes by deterring common pests away due to their strong scent.
- They are often used in flower festivals and parades to create elaborate displays and floats because of their bright and cheerful bloom.
- Daffodils can be used in sensory gardens designed for therapeutic purposes, assisting in stimulating the senses with their strong visual aesthetic and fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is considered to bring good fortune to your home in Feng Shui when placed in the wealth corner (southeast) or health sector (east) of your living space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The Narcissus 'Jack Wood', commonly known as Daffodil, historically symbolizes self-love, stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, daffodils often represent new beginnings and the vitality of the new season.
- Unrequited love: Daffodils can also symbolize unrequited love, contrasting with their bright appearance to highlight the sorrow of love not returned.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are a sign of wealth and success, and they are often associated with the Chinese New Year as a bringer of good fortune.
- Chivalry: Because of their upright growth and clustered blooms, daffodils can represent nobility and gallantry.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Jack Wood', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then regularly during the growing season if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. They typically need about an inch of water per week, which can be provided by applying approximately 0.623 gallons to the area around the plant. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot. Watering can be reduced once the leaves start to yellow after blooming, indicating the plant is going into dormancy.
LightDaffodils like Narcissus 'Jack Wood' thrive best in full to partial sunlight. They should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade can prevent the flowers from fading too quickly.
TemperatureThe daffodil 'Jack Wood' prefers cool to moderate temperature conditions, ideally between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive winter temperatures down to about -4°F and are hardy in zones 3 to 8. Ensure they are planted in an area where they can enjoy the cooler temperatures of early spring, which is their active blooming season.
PruningFor daffodils such as Narcissus 'Jack Wood', pruning is mainly about removing spent flower heads, which is known as "deadheading," to prevent seed formation. Allow the foliage to remain until it turns yellow and wilts naturally, usually about 6-8 weeks after blooming, as this process replenishes the nutrients in the bulb for the next season. Cutting back the foliage too soon can harm the next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Jack Wood' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and organic compost or well-rotted manure is ideal, promoting good drainage and nutrient availability.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Jack Wood' are typically grown from bulbs and do not require frequent repotting. Repotting is done only every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded in their current space.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Jack Wood' does well in average humidity levels and does not require special humidity considerations. Outdoor ambient humidity is generally suitable for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Daffodil 'Jack Wood', ensure bright indirect light and cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Jack Wood' Daffodil in sun to partial shade with good drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Jack Wood', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle with a dormant period during the summer, where the bulb rests underground. In autumn, roots develop from the base of the bulb as temperatures cool and the soil moisture increases. The bulb then sends up shoots, which emerge from the soil in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate. Following shoot emergence, flowering occurs in early to mid-spring, showcasing the characteristic white petals with a yellow corona. After the plant blooms, it enters a vegetative stage where photosynthesis in the leaves helps to replenish the bulb's energy reserves for the next season. Finally, the leaves die back in late spring or early summer, and the plant re-enters dormancy until the cycle restarts in the autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Jack Snipe', a beautiful daffodil variety, can be propagated mainly through division, which is the most popular method for this bulbous plant. Division is typically done in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back. The clumps of bulbs should be carefully lifted from the soil using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs that are typically planted 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) deep. Once lifted, the bulbs can be gently pulled apart, leaving at least one growing point or shoot on each bulb. Replant these immediately at the same depth in well-draining soil and space them roughly 3 to 6 inches apart (about 7.5 to 15 centimeters), ideally in a place that receives full or partial sunlight. With proper care, the newly planted bulbs should bloom the following spring.
