How to Grow Daffodils in the South

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By askapeach
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Yellow Obvallaris Daffodils

Daffodils can be planted in gardens as far south as Zone 8, which includes Georgia. Whether you are planting the bulbs in the soil or in containers, daffodils will provide a burst of color early in the Spring. Several varieties of daffodils are better suited for southern climates. Educate yourself on which daffodil bulbs to buy then find a location to plant them where you will be able to enjoy their beautiful flowers. Planting a daffodil garden in the South will become your favorite Fall gardening activity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Daffodil bulbs
Bulb auger
Gardening tools
Shovel
Battery operated drill
Planting area

Step 1

Planting Zones

Determine the Planting Zone where you live before deciding which type daffodil bulbs to get. Click on the map shown here to find your local Plant Zone or go to the online website at http://www.backyardgardener.com to locate your Planting Zone using your zip code. The Deep South is considered to be Zones 7 and 8.
Step 2

Daffodil catalog

Buying your daffodil bulbs can be as simple as a trip to your local home builders supply store and garden center or as easy as shopping online. Warehouse stores such as Costco and Sams sell large quantities of daffodil bulbs at a reasonable price beginning in late September. For a beginner, this is an excellent way to start. One of my favorite online daffodil websites is Colorblends since they recommend specific daffodil bulbs to plant in the Deep South. Check them out at www.colorblends.com.
Step 3

Geranium daffodils

Select a location that will get at least six hours of sunlight daily. The soil should be well drained. Daffodil plants naturalize well, meaning they will continue to grow year after year, multiplying each year. An area along a path or close to a wooded area is great for planting daffodils. Containers can also be used to place on porches or other entry ways.
Step 4

Gardening tools

Most daffodils are planted in October but follow the planting guide for your Planting Zone. Normally, temperatures should be below 50 and 60 degrees before bulbs are planted.
Step 5

Auger

You may use several planting methods with daffodils. Using an auger attached to a drill is an easy method of planting daffodil bulbs individually. This is good when planting in a row, near a mailbox or along a path. Simply attach the auger to the drill, drill a hole slightly deeper than the bulb and drop it in.
Step 6

Garden shovel

To plant a bed of daffodils, select your location and dig the soil up with a shovel about two inches above the heigth of the daffodil bulbs. Place the bulbs in the loosened soil about an inch apart. Cover the daffodil bulbs with soil, water if needed and wait for your burst of color in the Spring.