The Planting Time for Narcissus

Growth

• Narcissus flowers (Narcissus spp.) are bulb plants that bloom in the spring. Like other spring-blooming flowers, they need to be planted in early fall. This gives the bulbs plenty of time to develop strong root systems before winter arrives. November is generally too late in colder climates.

Climate

• Plant narcissus bulbs when the ground is still warm enough to work and before the first hard frost of the winter. This may vary by growing zone, but in general, narcissus plants grow well if planted in October. They thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b through 10 and can be planted any time during the year in the warmer USDA zones 7 through 10.

Staggering

• For a longer-lasting display of spring blooms, don't plant your bulbs all at the same time. Instead, stagger them. This way, you will be rewarded with flowers stretching from March through May. Begin at the start of October and continue to plant every few days or every week until the end of the month.

Planting Tips

• Plant the bulbs in groups of three or more for the best visual display, but space them at least three inches from each other. Amend the soil with bulb fertilizer before planting. Use the amount suggested on the package as per the size of your planting bed and number of plants. The planting depth will vary depending on the size of the bulb. In general, plant narcissus in a hole that is two to three times the diameter of the bulb. Cover the bulbs with 3 inches of mulch to help protect them during the winter.