Jonquil
Narcissus jonquillafam. Amaryllidaceae
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Pl. D798 — Narcissus jonquilla
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IOverview
Overview
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) is a fragrant flowering plant native to Portugal and Spain. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is known for its edible flowers, which are often used in culinary applications. Jonquil thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions. This plant reaches a height of about 0.3 meters and is distinguished by its delicate, yellow blooms that resemble miniature daffodils, earning it a place in both gardens and culinary dishes.
Quick answers
What is Jonquil?
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) is a fragrant flowering plant native to Portugal and Spain. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is known for its edible flowers, which are often used in culinary applications. Jonquil thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.
What is Jonquil used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Jonquil
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Jonquil appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Jonquil support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Jonquil prefers partial to full sun and thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8. For best results, plant the bulbs in a location with a pH of 7–7.5. Propagate by dividing the clumps after flowering to encourage new growth. The edible parts are the flowers, which can be enjoyed both fresh and cooked.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Jonquil for the first time
8steps
Start with Jonquil by planting bulbs in the fall for a rewarding spring display.
- 1
What you'll need
Jonquil bulbs, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Jonquil bulbs in late summer to early fall for optimal growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 7–7.5. Amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep and 8-10 cm apart in well-prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the newly planted Jonquil bulbs to help them settle. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back spent flowers but leave foliage intact for energy storage.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to provide enough light, and not mulching properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: The Jonquil's flowers are edible and can be eaten raw or used in cooked dishes. They add a delicate flavor to salads and desserts when fresh. For longer preservation, the flowers can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 19 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 19 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 2 native· 19 introduced
Europe5 regions
native (2)PortugalSpain
introduced (3)FranceItalyPortugal
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Georgia
Broader regions
introduced:British Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Turkey-in-Europe, Utah, Alabama, Yugoslavia, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Amaryllidaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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