How to Plant Narcissus (Daffodil) Bulbs

When to plant:

Narcissus bulbs should be planted in the ground between September and November. They are fully hardy and very easy to grow. If you’re not quite ready to plant, bulbs can be stored temporarily in a cool, dry, and rodent-proof place. Avoid delaying past December, as bulbs begin to decline in quality and will not keep until the following year.

Where to plant:

Daffodils grow beautifully in garden borders, flower beds, naturalized in lawns, or in patio containers. They look especially striking when planted in clusters or drifts, bringing vibrant spring colour to beds, woodland edges, or pots.

Soil preparation:

Well-draining soil is essential to success with narcissus bulbs. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-rich, work in plenty of organic compost along with grit or coarse sand to improve texture and drainage. For
container planting, make sure to have a few drainage holes at the bottom of your container. Container planted bulbs are less protected from the elements than if they were planted in the ground. If you live in hardiness zones 3-7, consider bringing your containers indoors to a cool dark spot like a garage or
unheated basement.

How to plant:

Plant Narcissus bulbs at a depth of about 10–15 cm (roughly two to three times the height of the bulb), with the pointed tip facing upwards. Larger bulbs may benefit from slightly deeper planting, while smaller types can be set a little shallower. As for spacing, aim to plant bulbs about one to two bulb-widths apart. On average, 10 cm spacing works well for most varieties.

Aftercare:

Once planted, cover the bulbs with soil or compost and water them well. Over winter, no further watering is needed unless the season is unusually mild and dry. In spring, they will only need extra moisture during warm spells. After flowering, remove spent blooms to keep things tidy, but allow the green leaves to remain until they turn yellow and die back naturally. This process replenishes the bulb for the following year’s display. With proper care, Narcissus bulbs will multiply and return year after year with even stronger blooms.