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 -32C (-25F); cold tolerance varies with species.

Feeding

Topdress with rich compost in Winter, when new growth appears. Fertilise established clumps with a balanced organic fertiliser in the autumn.

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

Sow and Plant

Set out dormant bulbs during autumn. Cover the bulbs to four times their depth with loose soil. Allow 10cm(4in) between bulbs of miniature daffodils, and 15cm(6in) between taller varieties.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised 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 colours.

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 secateurs.

Troubleshooting

Daffodils have few pest problems. Large, double-flowered varieties are prone to falling over when the blossoms get heavy with rain. Daffodils benefit from 6-8 weeks chilling in warmer areas before planting out. Best recommended as annuals in warmer areas such as the tropics and subtropics.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Daffodil