Learn about planting times and techniques for the cheery spring flowers.
It’s so simple to plant daffodil bulbs that, honestly, everyone should do it.
Happiness, hope, and renewal are all associated with these beautiful flowers.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
And once you plant daffodils, they’ll return year after year and even multiply.
Here’s how and when to plant daffodil bulbs to enjoy their cheery colors for many springs to come.
Types of Daffodils
Daffodils (Narcissusspp.)
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
are an antidote to the winter blues.
There aremany different types of daffodilsto choose from.
The early, miniature, yellow ‘Tete a Tete’ deserves a starring location next to your front walk.
She recommends the poet’s daffodils like ‘Actaea’ as the last to bloom.
The bulbs need to develop a root systembefore the ground freezes.
The soil temperature should be 55 to 60 degrees, which will signal the bulbs to grow roots.
Any warmer and the bulbs may begin to sprout leaves prematurely in the fall.
The planting time depends on your area and is typically anytime between September and November.
Southern gardeners in USDA Zones 8-10 will have their best luck withjonquil daffodils.
Where to Plant Daffodil Bulbs
Daffodils have two primary requirements: sunshine and drainage.
For the best drainage, plant the bulbs on a slope and never in a spot where moisture accumulates.
A hill on the edge of a woodland is an ideal spot for what is called “naturalizing.”
Select varieties that are known to be good naturalizers such as ‘Ice Follies’.
For instance, you’d make a 6-inch deep hole for a 2-inch-tall bulb.
Place the bulb in the hole with the pointy side up.
Use the original soil to fill in the hole and gently tamp it down.
Plant daffodil bulbs about 6 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Even more fun is layering inminiature bulbs, which bloom in blue, white, yellow, or pink.
For example, trycrocusesthat bloom before daffodils orgrape hyacinthsthat usually bloom at the same time as mid-season daffodils.
Smaller bulbs don’t need to be planted as deeply, about 3 inches will do.
Daffodils don’t appreciate extra water in the summer, so choose their plant companions accordingly.
For a dry, sunny area, the classic follow-ups to daffodils aredaylilies.
The leaves will continue to feed the bulbs until the leaves turn yellow (after about 8 weeks).
At that time, you cut off the stems and leaves andput them in your compost.
Expand the space for yourdaffodils by dividing and replantingthe bulbs after the leaves die back to the ground.
you’re able to also store your newly divided bulbs until fall planting time.
First, rinse off any dirt on the bulbs and set them out to dry for a week.
Plant them back into your garden in the fall.
Daffodils are toxic to humans and pets.
“Daffodils: Beautiful but Potentially Toxic.
“National Capital Poison Center.
