How Daffodils Grow

Plant Basics

Small cup Daffodil
Daffodils are the early birds of the garden. Tiny yellow or white buds can be seen popping up through the snow in early spring. Daffodils are a member of the Narcissus family and there are many different kinds. Daffodils can be grown in most climates, but different types do better in different places. Small cupped Daffodils do best in the far North, while the larger cupped "trumpet" type do better in the South. The small cupped Daffodil comes in yellow, white and color combinations like their bigger counterpart, but the cup is smaller and the stem is shorter. The trumpet Daffodil is the classic and most popular flower. These also come in yellow, white and bi-colored. It is best to avoid the late blooming type in the South due to the heat.

Daffodil Bulb
Daffodils are a perennial flower and are planted with a bulb, or root ball. Perennial means that the plant will continue to come back each year and multiply. This makes an ideal flower as it does not require a lot of maintenance. If the flower multiplies too much, simply dig the plant back up in the fall, divide the roots and replant in separate holes or other sites. It is preferred to plant the bulbs in the fall, approximately 1 month before the first frost. Plant the bulbs 3 to 6 inches deep and 5 inches apart with the pointed end of the bulb facing up out of the hole. Sprinkle a little fertilizer in the bottom of the hole before you place the bulb in. The deeper you plant the bulbs, the slower the plants will spread or multiply each year. Daffodils can be planted just about anywhere. Whether in the sun or shade, they are very easy to grow and can even be placed around the base of trees where most things will not grow.

Trumpet Daffodil
Wild animals like mice, rabbits, moles or deer do not like the taste of Daffodils so the flower will not be bothered. Daffodils will bloom in the spring and then turn yellow and die off. At this time, pinch off the dead blooms. When the stalk has completely turned yellow (approximately 4 weeks), it can be mowed over. Daffodils are virtually maintenance free so it does not have any special needs. It is best to fertilize each year in the fall. Daffodils are pretty on their own and worked into other colorful plants of various heights.