How to Grow Daffodil Bulbs: Essential Guide

What Is a Daffodil?

Daffodils, part of the amaryllis family, offer iconic springtime blooms. Typically, each flower has six petal-like tepals and a cup-shaped corona, though variations abound. Available in shades from white and yellow to pink, daffodils are a staple in spring gardens.

Learning how to grow daffodil bulbs is essential for vibrant blooms. When planting daffodil bulbs, proper placement ensures years of enjoyment. Daffodils are hardy, deer-resistant, and thrive across the United States. With the right daffodil care, these bulbs return annually, spreading naturally.

Daffodil, Jonquil, or Narcissus?

Narcissus is the Latin name for the family of bulbs commonly called daffodils. The term daffodil comes from "affodill," borrowed from Latin "affodillus" and "asphodelus" and the Greek "asphodelos," all of which mean "that which comes early." The "d" in daffodil probably comes from the French "d" or "de" (meaning "the"). The term was coined in French and English writings of the late 1500s. Although daffodil is an accepted common name for the Narcissus family, some use "daffodil" to refer only to the yellow trumpet-shaped flower and call the rest of the family "narcissus." In the Southern states, the family is called jonquils, which are actually a variety of narcissus.

How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs

Planting daffodil bulbs is easy. Understanding how to plant daffodil bulbs involves key considerations:

• Soil: Daffodils prefer light, loamy soil. Ensure the site drains well to prevent rot.
• Sunlight: Plant daffodils where they receive at least six hours of sun for optimal blooms.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart for healthy growth.

Here's how to plant daffodil bulbs effectively:

1. Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches, mixing in loam if needed.
2. Use a gentle fertilizer, avoiding direct contact with bulbs.li>
3. Check spacing based on bulb variety.
4. Dig holes three times the height of the bulb.
5. Place bulbs about 6 inches deep with pointed ends up, then backfill with soil and water.

When to Plant Daffodils

Knowing when to plant daffodil bulbs is crucial. Plant in fall, when temperatures drop below 60°F. This timing prevents premature sprouting and ensures healthy spring growth. Understanding when to plant daffodils ensures they bloom at the right time.

Where to Plant Daffodils

Choose locations with good drainage and ample sunlight. For a naturalized look, plant where grass can grow undisturbed, like hillsides or woodland edges. This helps daffodils spread naturally, creating lasting displays. Understanding where to plant daffodils is key for optimal daffodil care.

How Deep to Plant Daffodil Bulbs

Knowing how deep to plant daffodil bulbs is crucial for successful planting. Determine how deep to plant daffodil bulbs by their size. Typically, bulbs should be set at a depth two to three times their height. This ensures stability and proper growth.

Do Daffodils Spread?

Yes, daffodils spread naturally over time, especially when planted in favorable conditions. With proper daffodil care, they can thrive for decades. Understanding how to grow daffodil bulbs can enhance their ability to spread and flourish.

Why Do My Daffodils Have Lots of Leave but No Flowers?

Your daffodils are producing abundant foliage but no blooms (referred to as "blindness") due to the bulbs lacking sufficient energy reserves from last year, which is commonly caused by premature leaf cutting, insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or excessive nitrogen fertilizer. The foliage is essential for generating food for the following year's flowers, so allow them to naturally turn yellow and wither; without adequate sun or nutrients, the plant prioritizes leaf growth over blooming.

Naturalizing with Daffodils

Naturalizing is the process of creating an informal field of bulbs that spread and fill in year after year. Successfully naturalized daffodils bloom for up to 30 or even 50 years! First, choose an area with good drainage and sunlight. An area where grass can be left unmown until the foliage has matured is ideal. Hillsides are excellent spots. The edges of woods are also good if you are planting an early-blooming variety which will have a chance to mature before the trees come into full leaf. For best impact, plant drifts of like kinds and colours. Many gardeners "arrange" their drifts simply by taking handfuls of bulbs and throwing them about for a natural-feeling distribution—just dig where the bulbs land!

Dividing Daffodil Bulbs

Typically, daffodils are divided every three to five years, or when the quality and quantity of blooms have deteriorated. The best time to divide is about eight weeks after flowering (usually June or July, or when the leaves die back). Choose an overcast day to avoid sun damage. Before starting the division process, dig a hole that is three times as large as the clump's previous home. To divide, simply separate each clump into sections, making sure to avoid tearing the roots. After planting, water and don't fertilize until the following year.

How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs in Pots and Containers

Daffodils are excellent choices for planting in pots and containers and are ideal for  lasagna plantings, signaling the arrival of spring. To grow daffodils successfully in containers, consider the following tips:

Daffodil bulbs require a cold period of at least 12 weeks to sprout. For indoor planting, store them in a refrigerator or any cool, dark area. Alternatively, plant them in a container and keep them in cold storage such as a garage or basement for up to 16 weeks before moving them to a sunny spot.

Use a container at least 12 inches deep and no less than 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting soil.

Space bulbs about three inches apart, planting them at a depth of two to three times their height, with pointed ends up.

For a fuller look, arrange bulbs in a circle or triangle, and layer smaller bulbs like crocuses or grape hyacinths above daffodils.

Container planting allows for an early start to spring and is an easy way to enjoy daffodils indoors.

Popular Daffodil Varieties

While daffodils are among the most recognizable bulb-grown flowers, you'll find a surprising variety within the group! Let's look at some of our favorite groups of daffodils.

Trumpet Daffodils

Trumpet daffodils feature cups that are longer than the petals, creating a trumpet-forward appearance. These are your classic daffs, and they grow extremely well in cold climates. Create a blanket of daffodils by naturalizing with our Trumpet Super Sak, delivering tons of trumpet daffodils in quintessential yellow. Or, plant Giant Trumpet Daffodils to create an even more impactful look. Looking to go even bigger? Try our colossal Mount Hood Daffodil, one of the largest, all-white daffs on the market.

Large-Cupped Daffodils

Large-cupped daffodils have cups that are more than one third, but less than equal to the length of their petals. Large-cupped daffodils feature a single bloom on each stem and may bloom in a wide array of colours and in a variety of forms. They tend to feature large flowers, too. Chromacolor Daffodil is among our favorites of the large-cup variety, featuring a coral-pink corona nearly as wide as their five-inch blooms. Or try our Curly Daffodil for a uniquely frilled look. Decoy Daffodils bring a red-hot addition to the group, as one of the best true red daffodils available.

Small-Cupped Daffodils

The flip of those large-cupped daffodils? Small-cupped daffodils! Small-cupped cultivars have cups that are not more than one-third the length of their petals. They, too, have been bred for a variety of colours. Our features a small, dark red cup surrounded by exquisite, roughed petals in a copper hue. Falmouth Bay is a garden-worthy pure white daff with a small cup and elegant, large white petals.

Tazetta Daffodils and Paperwhites

Tazetta daffodils sprout multiple flowers per stem, featuring a pleasant fragrance and delicate appearance. Paperwhite narcissus are a form of Tazetta daffs, and you'll find a number of viridiflora, or green, daffodils in this group. Polar Hunter is a lovely example of a green daffodil, with each stem producing up to four flowers that start green and age to white. Avalanche Narcissus is another favorite, with white perianths made up of supple, overlapping petals and dotted in the centres by a vivid yellow cup.

Poet's Daffodils

Poeticus, or Pheasant's Eye, daffodils, feature airy white petals and shall, red-rimmed cups. Poet's Daffodils bloom a little later in the season and are typically quite long-lasting. They often feature incredible fragrance, too. Actaea Daffodils are true Poet's Daffodils that perform well in the shade and are a great option for gardeners with troubling dark areas.

Jonquils

Jonquils are heat-tolerant, and a great choice for gardeners in hot and dry climates. With grassy foliage and an extra-long bloom time, these daffodils are exceptional in a naturalized planting site. Try our Giant Jonquils for a statement-making display with a wild, casual feel.

Double Daffodils

Double daffodils feature multiple layers of petals, and some cultivars have inner petals rather than a true corona. Doubles are a lovely, frilly take on the daffodil we know and love. These beauties attract a lot of interest from gardeners and growers alike, so you'll find some truly unique colours in this class. Pink Performance is a stunning, long-lasting pink daffodil in a beautiful ballet shade. For something a bit bolder, try a copper-toned Boaz Daffodil or a lemon-and-tangerine toned Suade Daffodil. The texture of double daffodils also creates a standout in an all-white garden. Try our White Favorite or Easter Born for a white double daffodil.

Split Corona Daffodils

Split corona daffodils have coronas, but they're split to create a wide-open, butterfly-like appearance. In fact, one of the most popular split corona daffodils is named for those fluttering visitors! Love Call also features a split cup, with a truly colourful appearance.

Common Daffodil Pests and Diseases

Fortunately, daffodils have plenty of natural defenses against garden pests and diseases. However, as with any plant, you should watch your daffodils for signs of damage. Here are a few common causes of disease experienced by daffodil bulbs:

Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can cause damage to the flowers of your daffodils. Watch for eaten-looking edges. If your garden tends to attract mollusks, try slug bait or diatomaceous earth to alleviate the problem.
Basal rot: Basal rot is typically sparked by too much exposure to too much nitrogen from manure or fertilizer, which makes the bulb susceptible to attracting spores. Watch for wilting leaves and brown rot spreading from the base of the bulb. If you find a case of basal rot amongst your daffodils, remove the bulb, and the soil surrounding it, to rid your garden of associated spores.
Narcissus fly: The larvae of narcissus flies feed on daffodils' bulbs, hollowing them out and killing the plant. Dispose of any bulbs you find with larval infestations and use an insecticide at the base of the newly-planted bulbs if you've had a previous infestation.
Squirrels: Squirrels, mice, and deer don't love daffodils as much as their lusher, leafier counterparts. However, some mammals may still nibble at leaves. Use a commercial deer repellent to deter grazing among your plants.

Planting Video for Daffodils