Daffodil

How to grow daffodil

Light

Full sun to light shade. They naturalize well in lawns and under deciduous trees.

Watering

Water after planting and during dry springs while the leaves are green. No watering is needed in summer.

Soil and feeding

Any soil that does not stay waterlogged is suitable. Scatter a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer as the shoots emerge.

Planting and pruning

Plant in fall, two to four weeks before the ground freezes. Set bulbs about 6 in (15 cm) deep, or three times the height of the bulb, and 4 to 6 in apart. After flowering, remove the faded blooms and leave the foliage for at least six weeks. Do not braid or tie the leaves.

Propagation

Lift and divide congested clumps in early summer as the leaves yellow. Replant the bulbs straight away or store them dry until fall.

Common problems

Plenty of leaves, no flowers

Overcrowding, too much shade, or foliage that was cut too early the year before. Divide the clumps and feed after flowering.

Soft, rotting bulbs

Basal rot in wet soil. Discard affected bulbs and improve drainage.

Stunted growth and hollow bulbs

Narcissus bulb fly. Destroy infested bulbs and firm the soil around fading foliage.

Questions about daffodil

When can I cut back daffodil leaves?

Wait until they turn yellow, about six weeks after flowering. The leaves feed the bulb for next year's bloom.

Can I put daffodils in a vase with other flowers?

Cut daffodils release a sap that shortens the life of other flowers. Stand them alone in water for a day first, and do not re-cut the stems when you combine them.

Plant details

• Deer resistant
• Good cut flower
• Good for beginners
• Grows in containers
• Fragrant