Daffodil Growing Guide

Narcissus

Daffodil

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average garden soil with excellent drainage.

Position

Full sun in spring, sun to partial shade in summer.

Frost tolerant

Excellent. Most daffodils are hardy to -25F (-32C); cold tolerance varies with species.

Feeding

Topdress with rich compost in spring, when new growth appears. Fertilize established clumps with a balanced organic fertilizer in the fall.

Companions

The earliest daffodils bloom before most other flowers and shrubs. Planting daffodils behind daylilies or other summer-blooming perennials hides the fading daffodil foliage from view.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 5" (15cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out dormant bulbs from late summer to early winter. Cover the bulbs to four times their depth with loose soil. Allow 4in (10cm) between bulbs of miniature daffodils, and 6in (15cm) between taller varieties.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Daffodils are the best spring-flowering bulbs to grow as perennials. Yellow and white are the most common flower colors.

Harvesting

Cut daffodils to use as cut flowers when the buds are full and almost ready to open. They will continue to open indoors for several days. As the flowers fade in the garden, trim them off with scissors or pruning shears.

Troubleshooting

Daffodils have few pest problems and are seldom eaten by deer. Large, double-flowered varieties are prone to falling over when the blossoms get heavy with rain.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Daffodil