Daffodils

Daffodils: more than just a yellow trumpet

A scent that lingers

Which daffodil suits your garden?​

Frequently asked questions about daffodils

• When should you plant daffodil bulbs?
  When should you plant daffodil bulbs? Plant daffodil bulbs from September to December, before the first frost. The earlier you plant them, the more time the bulb has to develop roots before winter — and the more reliable the flowering will be in spring.
• How deep should you plant daffodils?
  Plant daffodil bulbs at a depth of approximately two to three times the height of the bulb — for most varieties, this amounts to 10 to 15 centimetres. Plant the bulb with the tip pointing upwards and the rounded side facing downwards. In heavy clay soil, plant slightly shallower and add a layer of sand or gravel to the planting hole to help prevent waterlogging.
• Do daffodils come back every year?
  Yes, daffodils are hardy and perennial. They return every year and become fuller over the years. Always allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering before removing it — this allows the bulb to store the energy it needs for the following season. In the lawn, wait to mow until the foliage has turned yellow.
• Can you plant daffodils in a pot?
  Certainly. Daffodils thrive in pots and planters, provided there is adequate drainage and the pot is at least 25 centimetres deep. Use peat-free potting compost and place the pot in a sunny spot. Dwarf daffodils such as Tête-à-Tête and Minnow are ideal for pots and balconies. Daffodils also work well in a lasagne planting scheme, where daffodil bulbs form the middle or bottom layer.
• Are daffodils poisonous to animals?
  Yes. Daffodils are toxic to humans, dogs, cats and other animals — the bulb, leaves and sap are all toxic. Voles and moles, however, leave daffodil bulbs alone, making them particularly suitable for gardens where other bulbs are eaten. Wear gloves when planting if you have sensitive skin: the sap can cause skin irritation.​
• Which daffodil flowers earliest?
  The earliest daffodils appear as early as February or early March. Tête-à-Tête and Jetfire are well-known early-flowering varieties — compact in size, yellow in colour and reliably repeat-flowering. The Poet’s Daffodil (Recurvus) is the latest to flower: it only blooms in April or May and brings the daffodil season to a close with an intense fragrance.