Daffodil Growing Guide
Narcissus
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 spring, 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 from late summer to early winter. 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 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