When to Plant Daffodil Bulbs?

When to plant daffodil bulbs: the perfect time for a colorful spring

Why choose daffodils?

Daffodils are true harbingers of spring. They're often among the first flowers to appear after winter, instantly bringing color and life to your garden. What's more, they're incredibly easy to plant and, with proper care, will return year after year. Perfect for novice gardeners who still want to make a big impact.

The flowers come in various scents, shapes, and shades of yellow and white. Their cheerful appearance makes them ideal for flowery borders, flower boxes, and lawns.

What are daffodil bulbs anyway?

Daffodil bulbs are so-called spring bulbs. This means you plant them in the fall so they'll start blooming in the spring. The bulb itself already contains everything the plant needs to thrive. They just need time, cold, and a good location.

These spring bloomers are not to be confused with summer flowering tubers such as dahlias or gladioli — you should only plant those after the frost.

When to plant daffodil bulbs?

The right season: September to November

The ideal time to plant daffodil bulbs is from mid-September to the end of November at the latest. This gives the bulbs plenty of time to take root before winter sets in. A golden rule: the earlier they're planted in the fall, the better!

Don't wait until it freezes, because after that, the soil will become too hard and the bulbs won't be able to root properly. Is it a rainy, mild autumn day? Perfect. The soil will be nice and moist and soft—just perfect for planting all those flower bulbs.

In open ground or in flower boxes?

In the open ground, daffodils are best planted in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Loosen the soil, remove weeds and stones, and ensure good drainage. Plant the bulbs at a depth of about twice their height—usually 10 to 15 cm deep and 10 cm apart.

Would you rather plant them in a flower box on your patio or balcony? Then make sure you use a good flower bulb mix with drainage, for example, with a layer of hydroponic clay at the bottom. Consider combining them with other flower bulbs, such as crocuses or hyacinths, for a spring explosion of color.

Still interested in flower boxes with spring bulbs? Then be sure to read our blog about planting flower bulbs in flower boxes .

Planting daffodil bulbs in a greenhouse

Do you have a greenhouse or conservatory? Then you can plant daffodil bulbs a little earlier than in the ground, namely in early September. Provide pots with good potting soil and place them in a cool, bright spot. Be sure to expose them to lower temperatures for a few weeks. The cold signal is necessary for the bulb to bloom in spring. Regular ventilation prevents mold.

When do daffodils bloom?

Daffodils typically bloom between February and April, depending on the variety and when you plant them. Early-flowering varieties appear as early as late February, while late-flowering varieties don't appear until late April. By combining different varieties, you can create an extra-long flowering period in your garden or flower box.

Which trees or perennials combine well with daffodils?

Daffodils look their best when combined with other plants. In borders, they blend beautifully with low grasses or groundcovers. They also look stunning among perennials like hostas, which don't come into their own until later in the spring.

Want something truly special? Try purple-flowering hyacinths next to your yellow daffodils for a striking color contrast. Or plant them alongside herbs like mint or culinary herbs for a fragrant garden.

Tips for long-lasting flowering and reuse

Care after flowering

Leave the leaves until they've completely yellowed. Even though they're no longer attractive, the plant uses this energy to prepare itself for next year. If you cut the leaves too early, you risk the same bulb not blooming next year.

A helpful tip? Give the bulbs some extra nutrition after flowering, such as organic fertilizer or liquid plant food. This will give them extra support.

What if they don't bloom anymore?

Daffodils can sometimes "exhaust" themselves. They'll still grow leaves, but you won't see any flowers. In that case, lift the bulbs after they've finished blooming, let them dry, and plant them elsewhere in the fall. Daffodils don't like being left to stagnate for years. A little moving can sometimes work wonders.

Would you like to learn more about flower bulbs?

Then be sure to read our blog about when to plant flower bulbs . There you'll discover everything about other bulb plants, from tulips to alliums.

Or take a look at other popular spring bloomers in our collection, such as tulips or hyacinths .

Still looking for potting soil or flower pots?

At De Plantrekkers, we have everything you need to create your own daffodil garden or flower box. Discover our handy potting soil and accessories , or shop for a new pot to give your bulbs a fresh start.

Want to expand your green adventure to include indoor plants? Then consider easy-to-grow favorites like the Chinese Money Plant or a robust ZZ plant .

Ready to plant?

Hopefully, you now know exactly when to plant daffodil bulbs, how to get started, and how to enjoy beautiful spring blooms. Get started early – your future self in March will thank you!