Wild Daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 7762 — Narcissus pseudonarcissus
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IOverview
Overview
Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to several European countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. This plant is known for its edible bulb, which can be consumed after proper preparation. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Standing at about 0.5 meters tall and spreading to 0.3 meters wide, Wild Daffodil is recognizable by its light, airy nature and its ability to grow in hardiness zones 4-8.
Quick answers
What is Wild Daffodil?
Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to several European countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. This plant is known for its edible bulb, which can be consumed after proper preparation.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Wild Daffodil thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions, generally zones 4-8. This plant requires full to partial sunlight, with a light requirement of 6/10. For best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Propagate through bulb division or seed sowing. The edible parts are the bulbs, which can be harvested carefully after the flowers have faded.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m × 0.3 m
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Wild Daffodil for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Wild Daffodils to enjoy their natural beauty and easy care.
- 1
What you'll need
Wild Daffodil bulbs, a garden fork or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in autumn, around September to November.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure the pH is between 5.5 and 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep and 15 cm apart in groups for best effect.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to settle the soil around the bulbs, but avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the area moist during dry spells. Mulch lightly after planting to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
No need for harvesting; simply remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms next year.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting mulching, not providing enough light, and planting in overly acidic soil.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Bulb
Edible uses: The Wild Daffodil's bulb is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is typically cooked to ensure safety, as raw bulbs may contain toxic components. The bulbs are often boiled or sautéed before being consumed. Skip the raw consumption to avoid potential digestive issues.
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native· 22 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (8)BelgiumFranceGermanyNetherlandsPortugalSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Portugal
Broader regions
introduced:Indiana, Kentucky, Kuril Is., Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode I.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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