Growing Daffodils

Did you know..... Daffodils are part of the Narcissus family, which also includes jonquils and narcissi.

Step by step guide to growing daffodils

Prepare your site

Daffodils prefer to be planted in sandy loam, moist soil in partial shade, although they can be planted anywhere in the garden as long as plenty of well rotted compost has been added to the ground prior to planting. Do not use fresh farmyard manure, as this is not broken down enough.

When to plant daffodils

The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is from mid-August

How to plant daffodil bulbs

Daffodils are great for planting between shrubs and small trees, but look their best when planted in grass. Choose a sheltered site where the ground is moist. Daffodils need to have a good 6 inches of soil above them, and they need to be planted 9 inches apart. Place the bulbs at the bottom of the hole, with the roots pointed downwards and the pointed end upwards. Cover and leave.

Routine care of daffodils

Daffodil bulbs do not need to be lifted from the ground after flowering, if they thrived in the growing postition, simply leave them where they are. If your daffs didn't do too well, lift them when the leaves have died, keep them dry and re-plant in mid-August. There is little else required concerning after-care, just keep the weeds down if planted in a border.

If you have planted daffodil bulbs in grass, don't mow the lawn until the leaves have died down.

When to pick daffodils

Daffodils are at their best in Spring, and give your garden a wonderful splash of colour, just the thing after a long, dark winter! They can be picked in full bloom, partial bloom or even in tight bud. Simply snip off at the base of the stem and place them in a vase with fresh, clean cold water.

Recommended varieties of daffodils

Trumpet Narcissi : Otherwise known as daffodils, these are singular flowering plants which have one flower to a stem. They grow to a height of between 18-24 inches and come in a range of colours from white to the darkest orange.
King Alfred: Bright yellow perianth (outer petals) and matching trumpet
Mount Hood: Perianth and trumpet both white
Queen of bi-colours: White perianth with a canary-yellow trumpet.
St Keverne: Lovely sturdy yellow flowers, which are best planted in drifts.
Hawera: Perfect for growing in pots on the patio, this species of daffodil have delicate yellow flowers and grow to an height of 8 inches.