Fundamental Facts
HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES Straplike foliage, colorful flowers; for beds, woodlands, naturalizing, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early spring to early summer
FAVORITES: 'Dutch Master', 'Ice Follies', 'February Gold', 'Jack Snipe', 'Cragford'
QUIRKS: Bulbs need winter chilling; plants must retain fading foliage
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Daylilies, hosta, iris, ornamental shrubs, pansies, peonies, small trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Well-drained soil in sun to partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Overcrowding, bulb rot, narcissus bulb fly
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for years; divide overcrowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
PLANTING DEPTH: 8 in (20.3 cm)
SOURCE: Bulbs
DIMENSIONS: 7-20 in (17.8-50.8 cm) tall, 6 in (15.2 cm) wide
Daffodil in the Landscape
Daffodils are versatile bulbs, as comfortable in formal landscapes as in meadows or open woodlands. By growing varieties with different flowering times, you can enjoy the parade of yellow, salmon, white, or orange flowers from early spring to early summer. Some varieties, such as 'Cragford', also emit a fragrance that is forever associated with spring.
All in the Family
There are many types of daffodil, with flower shapes ranging from the classic trumpet to ruffled puffs. Because the bulbs are inexpensive and readily available, it's easy to stock grow whatever types you like. The trumpet daffodil stands 14-20 in (35.6-50.8 cm) tall and has a long central floral tube framed by a star of petals. Cultivars number in the hundreds and include yellow 'Dutch Master' and white 'Mount Hood'.
Large-cupped daffodils are the same size but have a flattened central cup. Tee Follies' has white petals and a pale yellow cup that turns white with age. It performs better in Zone 8 than do many other daffodils, yet is hardy enough for cold climates.
Petite cyclamineus daffodils are ideal for planting in pots, beneath small trees that drop their leaves in fall or near spring-flowering shrubs, such as forsythia. Only 7-14 in (17.8-35.6 cm) tall with dramatically backswept petals, this type includes such old favorites as 'February Gold', 'Tete-a-tete', and 'Jack Snipe'.
Growing Daffodil
Plant firm, dormant daffodil bulbs in fall, with pointed ends up. in groupings of 10 or more. Dig holes wide enough for several bulbs and mix 2 in (5.1 cm) of compost into the soil at the bottom of the hole. Set bulbs 8 in (20.3 cm) deep and 3 in (7.6 cm) apart, then fill the hole with soil.
As soon as new foliage emerges in spring, fertilize daffodils with a commercial bulb fertilizer according to package directions or apply a top-dressing of compost. There is no need to protect daffodil foliage from late freezes, because it is very hardy.
After daffodils flower, let leaves remain to nourish the bulbs for next year's flowers. The emerging leaves of perennials such as peony, daylily, Siberian iris, and hosta will hide the daffodils' yellowing leaves. If you're careful not to dig so deeply that you damage the bulbs, you can plant shallow-rooted annuals over them after the daffodil leaves shrivel.
Daffodils are so critter resistant that they can be planted near tulips and crocus to help repel rodents, who find these other bulbs tasty. Although they are virtually indestructible, daffodil bulbs can rot if planted
in poorly drained soil, so plant only in well-drained locations. They can also fall prey to the bulb-eating larvae of narcissus bulb fly. To avoid problems, discard bulbs with soft or discolored spots. If a patch of bulbs is affected, do not replant in the same area, because soil can harbor pest eggs. Plant bulbs in a new location.
Increasing the Bounty Daffodils make offsets, which nestle against the mother bulb. Over the years they can become so crowded that flowering diminishes. If this happens, dig up the clump as the leaves fade in early summer. Separate and replant bulbs immediately. The largest will flower next spring. Smaller ones will bloom in subsequent years.
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