Sailboat Daffodil Narcissus 'Sailboat' (7)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Sailboat' is a visually appealing plant, well-known for its elegant flowers which bear a close resemblance to the traditional daffodil. The flowers of this variety have a charming, windswept look, as if they are billowing in a gentle breeze, hence the name 'Sailboat'. The petals are primarily a soft, creamy white color that can brighten up any garden space. Each bloom features a slightly ruffled, cup-shaped center called a corona, which exhibits a pale lemon-yellow hue, providing a delicate contrast to the whiteness of the petals. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Sailboat' is slender and upright, with a deep green color that complements the brightness of the flowers. This plant typically produces multiple flowers per stalk, creating a lovely, clustered display that resembles a small fleet of cheerful, bobbing sailboats. These blooms are not only a feast for the eyes, but also release a light, sweet fragrance, adding another layer of enjoyment to their presence in a garden or bouquet. Overall, the Narcissus 'Sailboat' is known for its simplicity and grace, making it a favorite among gardeners and floral enthusiasts for adding a touch of serenity and beauty to their surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Jonquil, Daffodil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Sailboat'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Daffodil is toxic to humans. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being particularly poisonous. If ingested, it can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may lead to dehydration, uneven heart rhythms, and in extreme situations, convulsions or paralysis. Handling the bulb can also cause skin irritation for some individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and respiratory depression. In severe cases, convulsions or a serious drop in blood pressure may occur, which can be life-threatening. It is important to keep pets away from daffodils to prevent accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches (40 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Narcissus 'Sailboat', commonly known as Jonquil, is known for its ease of cultivation, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its sail-like white petals and delicate yellow cup, Jonquil adds a charming touch to gardens and landscapes in the spring.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Jonquil returns year after year, offering long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Cut Flower Use: Jonquil makes for excellent cut flowers, adding fragrance and beauty to indoor floral arrangements.
- Deer Resistance: Jonquils are generally resistant to deer, which helps to prevent damage to the garden from wildlife.
- Spring Bloomer: Blooming in early to mid-spring, it provides an early splash of color after the winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Sailboat' can be used in aromatherapy as its scent is known to be calming and can help reduce stress levels.
- The bulbs of the plant can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a yellowish hue.
- Dried Narcissus flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a long-lasting fragrance in the home.
- The petals of the Narcissus can be used in crafting, such as making pressed flower bookmarks and greeting cards.
- Narcissus flowers can be used as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as some pests avoid their smell.
- Narcissus flowers can also be floated in a bowl of water as a simple and elegant table centerpiece.
- The plant is sometimes used for educational purposes, such as teaching botany and the lifecycle of flowers in schools.
- Narcissus can be used in photography as a popular subject for macro and nature photographers.
- The stems of the Narcissus flower can be used in fine paper making, providing texture and decorative elements to the paper.
- Finally, Narcissus 'Sailboat' can serve as a food source for pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'Sailboat', commonly known as the daffodil, often symbolizes the coming of spring and represents new beginnings due to its tendency to be one of the first flowers to bloom as winter ends.
- Self-Love: As its Greek mythological origin story suggests, where Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil can also be associated with narcissism and self-love.
- Vanity: In line with the above meaning, daffodils can sometimes symbolize vanity and excessive self-involvement, again stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus.
- Prosperity: Daffodils are often connected with success and wealth. In some cultures, it is believed that bringing a bunch of daffodils into the home will bring good fortune.
- Uncertainty or Unrequited Love: A single daffodil is sometimes believed to be a sign of misfortune, while presenting an uneven bunch could be associated with unreciprocated love.
- Respect: In some traditions, daffodils represent deep respect and high regard for someone.
- Inspiration: The flower is linked with creativity and inspiration, often used to symbolize artistic expression and the stimulation of new ideas.
WaterThe Jonquil, commonly known as Narcissus 'Sailboat', should be watered thoroughly so that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering may be necessary once a week depending on weather conditions, but always check the soil moisture before adding water. It is better to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Approximately an inch of water weekly, including rainfall, is ideal. During the dormant period after flowering, reduce watering significantly.
LightJonquils like Narcissus 'Sailboat' thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for them would be an area that gets plenty of morning sunlight and is shaded from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureJonquils, such as Narcissus 'Sailboat', prefer a temperature range between 50 to 70°F. They can survive brief periods with temperatures just below freezing, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 28°F may damage the plant. The ideal growing conditions for Jonquils are cool to moderate temperatures, as they are spring-blooming flowers.
PruningPruning Jonquils, such as Narcissus 'Sailboat', mainly consists of deadheading the spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent seed formation, which can reduce the vigor for the following year. It's important not to cut the foliage until it has died back naturally, as the leaves are essential for photosynthesis, which replenishes the bulb for the next blooming season. Pruning is best done after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Jonquil, also known as Narcissus 'Sailboat', thrives in well-drained soil with moderate fertility. A mix of loam, sand, and organic material such as compost or peat moss is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingJonquils should be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or when the bulbs become overcrowded in their current container. It's best to repot after the foliage has died back following blooming.
Humidity & MistingJonquils prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate average indoor humidity but will benefit from increased humidity during their active growth and flowering phase.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps for Jonquils grown inside.
Outdoor
Plant Jonquils in full sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Sailboat', commonly known as 'Sailboat' Jonquil, starts its life as a bulb planted in the autumn before the first frost. The bulb undergoes a period of dormancy over winter, requiring cold temperatures to trigger the subsequent growth and flowering process. As spring arrives, the bulb sprouts, producing slender, green leaves and a stem that eventually bears the characteristic creamy yellow, fragrant flowers that nod or 'sail' in the breeze, hence the name 'Sailboat'. After flowering in late spring, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, where the foliage gathers nutrients and replenishes the bulb for the next season's growth. Upon completing its growth cycle, usually in early summer, the foliage yellows and dies back, and the plant reenters dormancy. The cycle begins anew with the next autumn planting, continuing year after year with proper care and environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Sailboat', commonly known as the Jonquil or Daffodil, is by dividing its bulb clusters. This is best done after the foliage has died back in late summer to fall. Gardeners should carefully dig up the bulbs, avoiding damage, and gently separate them into individual bulbs. Each bulb can then be replanted immediately, ensuring that it is set at a depth three times the height of the bulb, with the pointed end facing upwards. This simple and effective approach allows for the natural increase of plants each year as the bulbs multiply underground.
