Climate & Locations That Daffodils Can Grow In

Sun and Shade

• Growing best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, daffodils enjoy a full sun or partial shade, depending on your climate. For example, growing daffodils in USDA zones 3 through 7 typically requires a location that has sun all day. In contrast, hot afternoon sun in USDA zones 8 and 9 is too intense for many daffodil species, so provide morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Although you may see stalled blossoming in daffodils in the shade, morning sun provides enough energy for photosynthesis and blossom development in warmer climates.

Daffodils and Nearby Plants

• Daffodils do not need to be separated from other plants in the garden. They work well as bright additions under shrubs and among ground covers in borders or flowerbeds. You can also plant them under trees, where they'll add interest while deciduous trees are still dormant. Daffodils benefit from the full sun in the early spring when the tree is still bare. Randomly planting daffodils throughout your garden, or grouping them for a spectacular springtime flower show, gives you a lot of versatility.

Cooling Period

• The fall planting period is important because daffodil bulbs need a two-month cooling period to stimulate spring blossoming. The soil should be cooler than 60 degrees Fahrenheit before you plant the bulbs. If you live in a warmer climate, you must provide an artificial chilling period by putting the bulbs in the refrigerator for eight weeks. To dig your bulbs to provide the artificial chilling, wait until they haven't bloomed for six weeks, typically in summer, when the leaves have died back and turned papery. After the chilling period, plant the bulbs.

Container Planting

• Daffodil bulbs work well in containers if the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes. Don't put a saucer under the container, as this can encourage wet soils and rot. Make sure the bulbs get the same chilling periods as bulbs in the garden so you get a display each year.