Tips on Growing Daffodils

Soils

• Daffodils prefer well-draining soils that are slightly acidic in content. If your region’s soil has a lot of clay, aerate it with a spade and add vermiculite, compost and coarse sand to the mixture giving it a better consistency for the daffodils. The best type soil for daffodils is a slightly higher pH level sandy loam.

Sunlight and Location

• Daffodils like full sun to partial shade, but not the hot, afternoon sun in warm climates. In regions with cooler springs, locate the daffodil flowerbed that receives sunshine for a full half day. Daffodils also do well in woodland settings underneath deciduous trees. However, avoid planting them under trees with shallow roots. Never plant them around walnut trees as these emit a dangerous chemical from their roots.

Planting

• The depth of bulb placement in the ground depends on the bulb’s size the soil type. Plant larger bulbs at least 6 inches deep and smaller bulbs at least 4 inches deep. Plant bulbs in sandy soils slightly deeper than those in clay soils. Give the bulbs space and do not let them touch each other. They multiply and after 3 to 5 years, you may need to separate the plants and relocate some of the newer bulbs. Water the bulbs frequently, as they are growing but never let them stand in water. Allow for good drainage.

Care

• If you added organic matter to your soil, do not fertilize the daffodils. Daffodils are low maintenance and may require just a small amount of nitrogen fertilization in the second or third year of growth. Dividing the bulbs as they become crowded in the flowerbeds is another way caring for them that gives them space to flourish. Clip the leaves when they turn yellow and droop.