Daffodil

Daffodils thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and modest fertility. Add compost when preparing the bed, fertilize lightly if needed, and allow leaves to die back naturally to recharge the bulbs.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate in spring

Spacing

5 in

First harvest

Fall-planted bulb; spring bloom

Tips

• Plant bulbs pointed end up about 6 inches deep and 5 inches apart, adjusting depth to roughly three times the bulb height.
• Water after planting and during dry spring growth, while avoiding waterlogged soil that encourages basal rot.
• Apply a labeled bulb fertilizer sparingly in early spring if growth is weak or a soil test indicates a need.
• Keep daffodil bulbs and other plant parts away from children and pets because they are toxic if swallowed.
• Remove spent flowers and divide crowded clumps after the foliage yellows, leaving green leaves intact.

Plant bulbs in fall about 6 weeks before the ground freezes, setting the base roughly three times the bulb height deep, usually about 6 inches.