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Herbs, Flowers & Specialty CropsDaffodil Planting Calendar
Daffodils are among the most dependable bulbs a gardener can plant. They return year after year when given drainage and left alone after bloom.
Key points
- Plant daffodils in fall, early enough for roots to form before freeze.
- Plant two to three times the bulb height and test drainage.
- Leave foliage until it yellows.
- Divide crowded clumps and keep bulbs away from children and pets.
When should you plant daffodils?
University of Missouri Extension says spring-blooming bulbs are planted in fall and need about 10 to 14 weeks of cool winter weather to bloom. Daffodils form roots in autumn, so plant early enough for roots to grow before the ground freezes.
Look to your local weather. Wait until nights have cooled and plant while the soil can still be worked. Ask your county extension office for the planting window that suits your area.
Buy plump, firm bulbs and plant them soon after purchase. Store them cool, dry and ventilated until planting, never in a sealed bag.
- Wait for cooler nights.
- Plant before the ground freezes.
- Water after planting.
- Mark the bed so you do not dig it up.
Why are daffodils so reliable?
The Missouri source describes narcissus, which includes daffodils and jonquils, as the most reliable choice for Missouri, while tulips often need replanting every couple of years. Daffodils naturalize and multiply in many regions, and animals such as deer, squirrels and voles generally leave them alone.
Even so, rodents can bother bulbs in some areas. If you have problems, ask your extension office for current advice.
Daffodils come in early, mid and late types, and planting a mix stretches bloom across weeks. Check the variety description before you buy.
- Choose sturdy named types.
- Check that bulbs are firm.
- Plant in groups.
- Leave them in place for years.
How deep and how far apart should you plant daffodils?
Plant bulbs about two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Space them according to the package and plant in groups of a dozen or more for a better show.
Pointed end up is the rule, and watering after planting settles soil and starts roots. Choose plump, firm bulbs.
Planting in drifts looks more natural than in rows. Toss bulbs gently onto the bed and plant them where they land.
- Plant at two to three times the bulb height.
- Group bulbs in clumps.
- Set them pointed end up.
- Water after planting.
- Mark the planting date.
- Add a label in the bed.
- Plant a mix of early and late types.
- Water in well.
What soil and site do daffodils need?
Daffodils need sun in spring, when leaves are growing, and well-drained soil. They tolerate shade from deciduous trees that leaf out after bloom. Poor drainage is the main cause of failure, since wet soil rots bulbs.
The Missouri guide suggests a simple drainage test: fill a 12-inch hole with water, refill it and measure how far it drops in 15 minutes, then multiply by four. Around 2 inches an hour is ideal. Use a soil test and local recommendations for fertilizer, since nutrient management rules vary by state.
Under trees, plant where spring light reaches the ground. Dense evergreen shade is poor for daffodils.
What do you do with foliage after bloom?
Leave leaves in place until they turn yellow and wither. The bulb is storing energy for next year, and cutting or braiding leaves early reduces bloom. Remove spent flowers if you want a tidy look.
Plant perennials that hide fading foliage as they grow in late spring. Mark bulb positions so you do not dig into them later.
- Do not tie or braid foliage.
- Let leaves yellow naturally.
- Remove spent flowers only.
- Mark bulb locations.
When should you divide daffodils?
When clumps become crowded and bloom declines, dig them after foliage has died back and replant bulbs at the right depth. Dividing every few years keeps beds vigorous.
Replant promptly, or store bulbs in a cool, dry, ventilated spot until fall. Discard soft or damaged bulbs.
Divide after leaves die back, so you can see the clump and avoid slicing bulbs.
- Dig after foliage dies back.
- Replant promptly at the right depth.
- Store extras cool and dry.
- Discard soft bulbs.
What cautions apply to daffodils?
All parts of daffodils are poisonous if eaten, and bulbs can be mistaken for onions. Keep bulbs away from children and pets, and store them where they cannot be confused with food.
Sap can irritate skin for some people when cutting stems, so wear gloves if you are sensitive. Ask your extension office for current guidance.
- Label bulbs.
- Store out of reach.
- Wear gloves if sap irritates.
- Keep pets away from bulbs.
Timing at a glance
| Item | Window | Caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Spring bulbs, University of Missouri Extension | Plant in fall; bulbs need about 10 to 14 weeks of cool winter weather to form flower buds | Source guidance for Missouri; planting windows vary by region, so use local frost and soil information. |
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.