Daffodils: A Garden Staple

As another growing season ends, you’re probably focused on harvesting the last of your crops and tidying up the garden. But this transitional period also offers the perfect opportunity to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths — before the ground freezes and snow begins to fall.

With vibrant colors, early blooms and fuss-free reliability, daffodils have earned their place as one of spring’s most beloved garden staples. The emergence of these brightly colored plants is a welcome sign that warmer weather is on the way.

Colors & Blooms

Also known by their scientific name Narcissus, daffodils are often seen in shades of yellow, but they can also include soft pinks, bright oranges, light greens and creamy whites. The flowers have trumpet-shaped centers surrounded by petals. The wide range of colors and trumpet shapes allows gardeners to create beautiful outdoor displays and lovely cut flower arrangements.

Planting & Care

Daffodil bulbs are easy to plant and reward gardeners with years of beauty. They perform best when planted in rich, well-drained soil in full sunlight. Plant the bulbs in fall, 6 to 10 inches deep, depending on your soil type. The sandier the soil, the deeper the bulbs should be planted. The bulbs do best in cool soil, and the deeper they are planted, the cooler the soil will be.

After your daffodils bloom, wait to cut back the foliage until it turns yellow or brown, as the leaves must return the energy to the bulbs for next year’s blooms. Fertilize with a bulb booster fertilizer at planting time and again in early spring as the foliage emerges.

History & Benefits

Native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa, daffodils have a long history, cultivated for centuries and referenced in literature. Beyond that, they play an important ecological role, feeding the bees and butterflies when few other food sources are available.

Daffodil Classifications

Daffodils are classified into 13 divisions, based mainly on the size and shape of their petals and trumpets. Division 1 is the most familiar with its large trumpet and petals. King Alfred and Dutch Master are two of the most popular varieties in this division.

Division 2 is arguably the most popular, with its large-cupped varieties, while Division 3 offers varieties with smaller cups that are so shallow they are sometimes referred to as eyes. Carlton and Professor Einstein are two varieties from Division 2, and Barrett Browning and Goose Green are two options from Division 3. Other divisions feature double flowers, multiple blooms on a stem and fragrant varieties. It’s important to note that some varieties may not be hardy in northern climates.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to brighten your spring garden, daffodils are tough to beat. They return year after year, making them an excellent choice for filling borders, naturalizing a hillside or adding pops of color to rock gardens and garden paths.