When to plant daffodils?

The daffodil is perhaps the perfect example of a spring bloomer. This colorful eye-catcher is one of the first to appear after winter, sometimes as early as February, and gives your garden that first touch of color. Daffodils are hardy, rewarding, and simply come back year after year. But you do have to get them in the ground at the right time. In this blog, we’ll tell you when and how to do it!

 

When should you plant daffodil bulbs?

Daffodil bulbs often need to go into the ground quite early, before temperatures really start to drop and the soil hardens. The ideal planting time is from September through November. During that period, the soil is still easily workable but cool enough to let the bulbs settle and root. Like tulips and alliums, daffodils need a cold dormant period to bloom well in the spring. Those weeks in the cold soil are by no means wasted time, but rather the preparation for that cheerful bloom you want to see in the spring!

Advice from Brenda: preferably plant them in October; then you’re always safe and don’t have to worry about anything.

 

Until when can you plant daffodil bulbs?

As soon as the ground freezes, you are actually too late. In theory, you could still plant your daffodil bulbs in December. However, our advice is really not to wait that long. The later the bulb goes into the ground, the less time it has to root before winter. In the spring, you will simply notice this through a shorter flowering period or flowers that don't come up as strongly as you had hoped. Such a pity!

 

Why the daffodil?

At Bulbs4You, the daffodil is the first real herald of the new season. As soon as the first yellow heads appear above ground, I know it’s starting again. After all these years in the bulb industry, it still gives me the same feeling as the first time. And it’s just wonderful that we live and work in the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region)!

— Brenda, Bulbs4You

 

How deep do you plant daffodil bulbs?

How deep you should plant daffodil bulbs depends on the size of the bulb. But the rule of thumb is always the same: two to three times the height of the bulb. For most daffodils, this comes down to 10 to 15 centimeters. The pointed end of the bulb should always face upward. Also, ensure well-draining soil. Daffodils do not like wet feet and can rot in heavy, poorly draining clay soil.

 

Planting daffodil bulbs in a pot, how do you do it?

Would you rather have daffodils in pots? You can do that too, but the method is slightly different. Here’s how you do it: Choose a pot at least 20 centimeters deep. Place a layer of drainage at the bottom, such as gravel or pot shards. Then fill the pot with good potting soil. Plant the bulbs with the point facing up. Feel free to plant the bulbs closer together than in open ground. Cover with soil and press down lightly. Water once after planting. Place the pot outside in a sheltered spot. In case of extreme frost, cover the pot with bubble wrap.

 

When do daffodils bloom?

That mainly depends on the variety you choose. There are early-blooming varieties that stick their heads above ground as early as February, even before winter is truly over. Those first yellow flowers in a gray February garden are a feeling you won’t soon forget. We’ve made a handy overview of the flowering periods of different daffodil varieties:

• Miniature and trumpet daffodils: Late February to early March
• Large-cupped daffodils: Mid-March to early April
• Poeticus daffodils: Late April to early May

 

Why do daffodils come back every year on their own?

Daffodils are bulbous plants that multiply underground via so-called daughter bulbs. These grow onto the mother bulb each year and eventually split off. That is also why a daffodil patch in the garden gets fuller every year without you having to do anything. At the nursery, we call this naturalizing.

 

Can you combine daffodils with other plants?

Certainly! On their own they are beautiful, but in combination with the right neighbors, they become truly impressive. These are our favorite combinations:

• Daffodils and crocuses: crocuses bloom just a little earlier than daffodils, making the transition seamless. Together, they give your garden color as early as February. Plant them together!
• Daffodils and tulips: daffodils bloom slightly earlier than most tulips, creating a beautiful wave of flowers. Choose yellow daffodils with red or purple tulips for a powerful color contrast.
• Daffodils and alliums: daffodils take care of the early bloom, while alliums take over afterwards with their distinctive round flower heads. Perfect for those who want color in the border well into the summer.

 

Order the most beautiful daffodil bulbs at Bulbs4You

Do you want to enjoy a garden full of cheerful daffodils next spring? Then this is the moment to order your flower bulbs. At Bulbs4You, you will find a carefully curated assortment of daffodil bulbs, freshly selected from growers in the Bollenstreek. If you order for €70 or more, shipping within the Netherlands is free. Do you have a question about which daffodil variety best suits your garden? Feel free to send us a message!

 

Frequently asked questions about planting daffodils

 

When do daffodils bloom?

Depending on the variety, daffodils bloom from February to May. Early-blooming miniature daffodils appear as early as February; most varieties bloom in March and April. By combining early and late varieties, you can enjoy blooming daffodils in your garden for months.

 

How long do daffodils bloom?

An individual daffodil blooms for an average of two to four weeks. By planting early, mid-season, and late varieties together, you can extend the total flowering period in your garden up to three months.

 

What do you do with faded daffodils?

What you should do with faded daffodils is cut off the flower as soon as it has withered, but leave the foliage until it is completely yellow and withered. That foliage stores nutrients for the bulb so it can bloom well again next year. Cutting it back too early means less bloom the following year.

 

Are daffodils toxic to cats?

Yes, daffodils are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain lycorine, a substance that quickly causes nausea and vomiting. Even the vase water from daffodils can be harmful to cats. Keep your pets away and read more in our blog about toxic flower bulbs and pets.

When in doubt, you can contact the National Poisons Information Center (NVIC) 24/7.

 

How far apart should you plant daffodil bulbs?

Keep about 10 to 15 centimeters of space between the bulbs. Do you want a fuller, more naturalistic effect? Then you can plant them a bit closer together; this works especially well in a pot or planter.

 

Why aren't my daffodils blooming?

The most common cause is planting too late or soil that is too wet. Daffodils that haven't spent enough cold hours in the ground will bloom less or not at all. Cutting back the foliage too early after blooming also harms the bulb. You won't see the result of that until the following year.