What's eating my jonquil?

Jonquils carry the same toxic lycorine alkaloids as other narcissus, so deer, rabbits, and most insects leave them alone. Narcissus bulb fly larvae are the biggest threat, burrowing into the small bulbs. Slugs attack tender new growth, and aphids occasionally cluster on flower stems without causing lasting harm.

Larvae consume bulb interior; plants either fail to emerge or produce weak, grassy foliage with no flowers Cover foliage with fine insect mesh April–June; inspect and discard soft bulbs before replanting; firm soil around dying foliage to deter egg-laying

Ragged, slime-trailed damage to emerging shoots and young flower stalks in damp conditions Scatter iron phosphate pellets at first emergence; use grit mulch around bulbs; hand-pick at night during wet spells

Colonies on flower stems cause minor distortion; more important as potential virus vectors Blast off with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; use insecticidal soap only if colonies are heavy