Jonquil
Jonquil, also known as Narcissus jonquilla, is a beautiful bulbous plant related to the daffodil family. This cheerful flower produces a pleasant scent and varies in height, reaching as tall as 18 inches. The plant’s green leaves are long and narrow, and gives rise to fragrant yellow trumpet shaped blooms, with the sweet scent of jasmine. This is a sun loving plant, considered somewhat to be an unpretentious flower that can bloom multiple times during a season.
Jonquil need to be watered regularly so as not to dry out. As especially during the spring and sumer months when their growing season starts, they need slightly more watering. The soil should be kept moist without allowing it to fill with water as this will drown the bulbs. Less water is needed during the rest or dormant period of the plant throughout winter.
Jonquil likes to be grown in a sunny, bright spot that has good ventilation however it should not be placed in direct sunlight. This is especially true the hotter the climate gets, where the sun is strongest and can burn the growth of the plant. A room with a lot of windows would be ideal when growing these flowers from bulbs.
Jonquil plants need to be grown in temperatures optomally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5–21 degrees Celsius). They cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing, so if you live in an area with cold winters, they should be grown indoors. They also cannot tolerate extreme heat, so if you live in a very hot area, choose a cooler room for your plant to grow in.
The humidity around the plant should not be be too high or too low. An ideal humidity is between 40 to 60%. Placing the pot in a tray of pebbles and water can help increase the humidity a bit around the plant. Humidity levels should be regularly checked when growing Narcissus jonquilla indoors.
Jonquils prefer sandy, well-draining soil that remains slightly moist throughout the growing season. A good soil mix would include a peat-based potting mix with perlite or vermiculite to aid in drainage. The soil should be kept slightly acidic at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Jonquils prefer soil that is slightly acidic, so it is recommended to use a fertilizer with a low pH such as one specifically made for acid-loving plants. Fertilize the plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer. You may also choose to use organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or banana peels for additional nutrients.
Common pests that can affect Narcissus jonquilla are aphids, thrips and mites. If you notice any signs of these pests, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove them right away. This can be done by removing the infected parts of the plant and using an insecticidal soap or neem oil to eradicate the pests and prevent new pests from infesting the plant. It is also recommended to isolate the plant from other flora until the pests have been completely removed.
Jonquils generally do not need repotting, as they can stay in the original pot for several years. If the pot becomes too small, then repotting in larger pot filled with fresh potting mix is recommended. Be sure not to disturb the roots too much or it may disrupt the plants growth.
Pruning is not necessary for Jonquil plants however you can remove wilting flowers to encourage the growth of new blooms. Removing any dead leaves or stems will also help enhance the appearance of the plant and aid in its growth.
Adding a few inches of mulch around the pot can help retain moisture and moderating temperature and soil acidity. To mulch your Jonquil, consider using a material like coconut coir, bark or shredded leaves.
Narcissus jonquilla can easily be propagated by bulb offsets or seed. When propagating the plant via offsets, wait until the flowering season is over and remove the bulbs from the soil. The bulbs can then be split into separate pieces with each piece having at least one growth bud. The separate pieces of the bulb can then be planted in individual pots filled with well-drained soil.
Jonquils do not require any support, as they have sturdy stems that can hold up the blooms without any extra help. If you choose to add a support structure to your plant, be sure to keep the stems from being attached to the support as this can cause them to become weak.
Jonquils need a rest period during winter. During this time, their growth and flowering will slow down and the roots will stop growing. They do not need to be pruned or repotted during this period. Instead, simply reduce water and allow the plants to rest until the weather starts to warm back up.
Narcisses jonquilla is generally not considered toxic to pets. However, as with any plant, it is important to monitor your pet’s behaviors when around the plant to be sure that they are not ingesting any parts of it.
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