How to Grow Daffodils In Cold Climates

Most daffodils love growing in a cold climate. The frigid winters with frequent snow followed by cool springs are ideal for their growth and blooming. Success with daffodils for Northern gardeners is more a matter of culture than variety choice. Follow these steps to grow daffodils in your cold climate garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• daffodil bulbs,spade,mulching materials

1. Plant early enough to let your bulbs develop roots before the soil freezes. You should plant several weeks before the first hard frost. This gives them time to develop roots before the ground freezes. If you wait too long you won't be able to work the soil.

2. It's very important to plant daffodil bulbs at the correct depth. If your area experiences freezing and thawing cycles bulbs that are planted too shallowly will be heaved out of the ground. A depth of 6-8 inches is recommended.

3. Water your bulbs to get them off to a good start. An alternative method for areas that get early snow is to plant right before the first snowfall. The weather will usually warm again and melt the snow. This will remove air pockets from your flower bed and get your bulbs off to a good start.

4. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch. You can use shredded or composted leaves, straw, or pine bark for mulch. This will protect your bulbs when the soil begins to freeze. Make sure you do this before the first hard frost is expected.

5. Wait patiently for your flowers to appear. Starting a new daffodil bed can be hard work but waiting for those Spring flowers may be the most difficult step. That's the great thing about daffodils. A little work now will reward you with beautiful flowers for many years to come.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results buy your daffodil bulbs from Northern growers. Planting bulbs in a cold climate that were raised in a mild winter area could result in failure.
• Most daffodils love cold winter climates but poeticus,split corona and late flowering double varieties will be shining stars in cool Northern spring weather.
• You can plant smaller bulbs such as muscari,crocus, scilla and miniature narcissus right over your daffodils. These smaller bulbs should be planted about 4 inches deep.
• As always, remember that narcissus bulbs are poisonous. Use caution around children and pets.
• Hay is often available in the autumn and it can be used as a low cost mulch but be aware that it will likely produce weeds when Spring arrives.

Resources

• Daffodils For Cold Climates
• Growing Daffodils In Cold Northern Climates

[sonni57]

on 3/5/2009 Great tips thanks for sharing your daffodil info

[prism]

on 1/9/2009 This is exactly what I need to add to my garden this year. Thanks for the great instructions!

[Quickstar]

on 1/3/2009 This flowers are sooo pretty, delicate yet sturdy and strong:)LOVE IT. 5*

[leanan]

on 1/3/2009 I love daffodils, they are so pretty. I think you gave me inspiration to plant some for the spring :)

[AlohaVikki]

on 12/26/2008 Great advice. Thanks for sharing!