Narcissus Jack Snipe

Narcissus Jack Snipe is a bulb that comes and goes in circulation, it is not available every year. It is not a widely grown bulb but it is a beautiful one to have when it becomes available. Six clean, white, reflexed petals draw back from a soft yellow centre. The cup is a medium size with a simple frill. A Jack Snipe is a wading bird with a long beak. This daffodil draws a resemblance by its downward-facing stance, as though ready to pounce.

An ideal daffodil bulb for garden beds, flowering in late March. plant 8-10cm deep in small groups with each bulb 5-8 cm apart. Smaller narcissus prefer the sun but can tolerate semi-shade.

Planting Narcissus bulbs

Plant narcissus bulbs in autumn, at one-and-a-half times their own depth, slightly deeper in light soils or grass. Narcissus bulbs prefer well-drained soil that is moist in the growing season in spring, in full sun or light dappled shade.

Narcissus are relatively low maintenance and will come back year-on-year. They benefit from being deadheaded as the flowers fade, and allow the leaves to die down naturally so that the bulbs have nutrients to come back the following year.

You can propagate narcissus bulbs by division when clumps have formed. Gently lift and separate bulbs, to replant as the leaves fade in early summer, or in early autumn before new roots are produced.

Read our article about planting daffodils and narcissi in bulk >