Daffodil Narcissus 'Quail' (7)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Quail', commonly known as the Jonquil, is an ornate spring-blooming bulbous plant. It boasts a captivating display of bright yellow flowers, each with a slightly deeper, golden-yellow trumpet-shaped corona that radiates from the center and is surrounded by a collar of petal-like tepals. These tepals are often slightly back-curved, adding to the plant's intricate charm. The flowers are borne atop sturdy stems, clustered in groups, giving a bouquet-like effect that is visually striking. The Jonquil's foliage is slender and strap-shaped, forming a dense clump of green that lends a lush backdrop to the vibrant blooms above. The plant exudes a delightful fragrance—rich and heady—making it a favorite for gardens and as a cut flower to enliven indoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Quail Daffodil, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Quail'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is the Daffodil, which is toxic to humans. The entire plant, and especially the bulb, contains poisonous alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, it can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even seizures. Handling the bulbs may also cause skin irritation for some individuals.
To pets
The plant in question is the Daffodil, which is toxic to pets. All parts of the plant, particularly the bulbs, are hazardous if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. The Daffodil contains lycorine and other compounds that can induce vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting large amounts can be fatal, and even small quantities can cause significant discomfort and illness.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
0.5 foot (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Quail', commonly known as Daffodil, adds vibrant yellow blooms to gardens, creating a cheerful and inviting ambiance.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once planted and established.
- Pest Resistant: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer, rodents, and other pests, protecting the garden from unwanted nibblers.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger displays of flowers over time without additional planting.
- Long Bloom Time: Daffodils have a relatively long flowering period, which helps to ensure consistent color in the landscape during their bloom season.
- Symbolism: Daffodils are often associated with renewal and the arrival of spring, bringing with them symbolic meaning and joy to many.
- Cut Flowers: Daffodils are excellent for cutting and creating indoor floral arrangements, allowing their beauty to be enjoyed both inside and outside the home.
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 'Quail', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in fabric dyeing, providing a range of yellow hues depending on the mordant used.
- As a flower that symbolizes new beginnings, daffodils are often incorporated into celebrations and festivities that mark change and renewal, such as spring festivals.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used to produce a glue-like substance when crushed and mixed with water, though this practice is not common.
- The blooms are a favorite among photographers and artists, frequently appearing in still life art and photography to evoke a sense of serenity.
- Daffodils are associated with good fortune in some cultures and are used in floriculture to create bouquets meant to bring luck.
- The flower's scent can be captured in perfumery, although it's not one of the typical notes due to the complexity of replicating its fragrance.
- Used in educational settings, daffodils can serve as a subject for botanical studies or as a model for teaching about plant biology and reproduction.
- In holistic practices, it is sometimes incorporated into flower therapy or floral baths for its uplifting and energizing visual impact, rather than its direct medicinal properties.
- Daffodils can be planted along with other bulbs to create designs or 'bulb carpets' in extensive garden landscapes, parks, or public spaces.
- Culinary creativity has seen the incorporation of daffodil blooms as a non-toxic decorative element on cakes and desserts to add a touch of spring to the presentation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is associated with good fortune and is said to bring positive energy into the home when placed in the southeast area, which is connected to wealth and self-worth in Feng Shui.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Narcissus 'Quail', also known as daffodils, often bloom in early spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the end of winter.
- Self-love: In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, and thus the flower is associated with narcissism and self-admiration.
- Vanity: Similarly, because of the Greek myth, the narcissus flower can represent excessive pride in one's own appearance.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, daffodils symbolize good fortune and are believed to bring prosperity.
- Hope: The bright flowers of the Narcissus 'Quail' stand out after the winter months, often signifying hope and optimism for the future.
WaterDaffodil 'Quail' needs consistent watering when in growth, which is typically in late winter through early spring. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be once a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to bulb rot. An approximate amount would be 1 gallon of water every 7-10 days, but this can vary with climate and soil conditions. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back and the plant goes dormant in summer.
LightDaffodil 'Quail' thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted in too much shade, the blooms might not be as vibrant and the plant may not perform as well.
TemperatureDaffodil 'Quail' fares well in a range of temperatures, ideally between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and during active growth, it prefers cooler conditions. Ensuring good air circulation can help maintain the ideal temperature for these plants.
PruningPruning Daffodil 'Quail' typically involves deadheading flowers after they fade to direct energy away from seed production towards bulb growth. Do not cut back the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually 6 weeks after blooming. Pruning is seldom needed outside of removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Daffodil 'Quail' is well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingDaffodil 'Quail' does not need frequent repotting. They can be repotted every 3-5 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded in their current space.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Quail' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions; average room humidity is adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately dry.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, 6 inches deep, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Quail' begins its life as a bulb, which is a dormant stage allowing it to survive adverse conditions. In early to mid-spring, depending on the climate, the bulb sends up green shoots, followed by flower stalks bearing bright yellow blooms. After flowering, the plant enters a vegetative phase where the energy is directed to the foliage in order to photosynthesize and replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the foliage dies back, usually in late spring or early summer, the daffodil 'Quail' returns to dormancy. During the dormant period, the bulb can produce offsets, which are essentially clones that grow into new bulbs. The life cycle can begin anew when favorable conditions for growth return in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Narcissus 'Quail', commonly known as Daffodil 'Quail', is through division of bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them, making sure that each section has at least one growing point. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately, about 6 inches (approx. 15 cm) deep and spaced about 4 to 6 inches (approx. 10 to 15 cm) apart, in well-draining soil with good sunlight exposure. By the following spring, these new bulbs will likely produce their own flowers, carrying on the growth cycle of the Daffodil 'Quail'.
