One of the first flowers to bloom every spring are daffodils (narcissus). They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Depending on the variety their fragrance can range from delicate to sweet and spicy. They are rarely plagued by pests or disease. As a result, they are a hardy, easy to grow cut flower that will continue to grow year after year. Come along as we talk about how to grow daffodils!
When to Plant Daffodils
Daffodils are fall planted bulbs. They can be planted anytime from September to December.
Where to Plant Daffodils
Daffodils thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9.
Firstly, choose the right spot to plant the daffodil bulbs.
Sun
Daffodils prefer full sun but can typically tolerate a good bit of shade as well.
Soil
When planting daffodil bulbs, choose an area with rich and well drained soil. A little dampness will be okay, but do not plant daffodil bulbs in a spot that has standing water for any prolonged period of time. Mix some compost in the soil while planting and add a layer to the top after planting to stimulate growth and act as a mulch.
How to Plant Daffodils
Plant Spacing & Depth
Once the right planting area has been chosen, plant your daffodil bulbs about 4-5 inches apart and about 6 inches deep. Do not crowd the bulbs too close together as this may prevent future growth and multiplying. For instance, in just 2 to 3 years after planting you can have double the amount you initially planted making them a great investment for your spring garden!
Home Gardening
For a stunning display, plant them in a clump of at least 20 bulbs. Simply dig out a circle of soil and space them out properly in the circle before refilling it with soil.
Cut Flowers
If your intention is to grow them for cut flowers plant them in long rows. The easiest way to plant in large quantities is to dig out a trench the proper depth and place all the bulbs in a row making sure they are properly spaced before refilling it with soil.
How to Care for Daffodils
Water the area regularly but be careful not to over-water. After the daffodils bloom in the spring, wait until the foliage has turned brown naturally before cutting or trimming. Be sure not to cut the foliage too early, as this will possibly prevent growth in subsequent years.
How to Harvest Daffodils for Cut Flowers
Blooms
Daffodils will bloom in mid-spring.
Harvest
Harvest blooms that haven’t fully opened. If picked when the buds are fully colored, but still slightly nodding, a week of vase life can be expected. Take caution to wear gloves when harvesting daffodils as their sap can irritate your skin. Cut flower by using scissors or take your gloved hand to the base of the stem, twist and snap.
Caution: The sap is toxic to other flowers and will shorten their vase life drastically. To avoid affecting other blooms in a bouquet, you’ll need to place freshly cut stems into cool water, on their own, for at least 2-3 hours. This will allow the stems to callus over and the toxic sap will stop flowing. After that, don’t recut the stems because the sap will start leaking all over again.
Daffodil Varieties We’ve Planted at Smoky Mountain Farmhouse
Fall 2021
- Trumpet Mix from Holland Bulb Farm
- Double Daffodil Mix from Eden Brothers
- Country Road Mix from Eden Brothers
- Butterfly Daffodil Mix from Holland Bulb Farm
Locally grown cut flowers are fresh, beautiful and long lasting. Above all, they bring joy to everyone. Flower farmers provide their local community with a fresh, sustainable alternative to conventional growing.
Click here to find out “Why local flowers are important?”
Watch Our Video on How to Grow Daffodils
Follow along over on our YouTube channel as we grow daffodils and other cut flower around the farm!
