How to plant and grow

Daffodils (Narcissi/Narcissus) Bulbs

When to Plant When they Flower After Care

• Plant from: • Early: February - April • No need to water often

Late August - Late December • Mid: April • Can be lifted after flowering
• Late: April - May

Daffodils (Narcissi) are one of the most popular How to Plant

spring flowers, beloved by many for their ruffled
petals and reliable presence. Borders

This essential spring bloom is also incredibly easy 1. Dig a hole that’s wide enough to fit the bulb comfortably,
to plant and grow – perfect for those who are new and at least 3 times the bulb’s depth (around 10cm deep).
to gardening! If you’re unsure of where to start If planting in groups, dig a trench instead of individual
with your daffodil bulbs, then you’re in the right holes at the same depth.
place. 2. Pop each bulb into the holes, pointed side up. Space each
bulb twice its width apart.
When to Plant 3. Cover with soil and pat down gently. Do not step on the
area, as it can damage the bulbs.
Daffodil bulbs can be planted from late August,
right through to Late December. Our very own Containers
Chris Parker often doesn’t get round to planting
his bulbs until early January with no detriment Daffodils are perfect for growing in pots and containers. This
to real garden results. The key to late planting is allows you to move them around the garden to access plenty
storing your bulbs correctly. If you choose not to of sun, especially in spring when sunlight is a hot commodity.
plant bulbs on receipt, it is important to store them
1. Fill the pot with growing medium (compost or soil) until
in a cool and dry place, so they remain in good
you’ve reached its halfway point. Parkers recommend you
condition.
use peat free compost where possible.
Our daffodil bulbs will be delivered fresh and 2. As a rule of thumb, bulbs should be planted about 20cm
healthy. There should be firm, not soft. Some bulbs from the top of the pot.
may arrive with slight mould patches, but this is 3. Place your bulbs on top of the soil, about 5cm apart.
completely normal and can be brushed off. If you 4. Cover with the compost to the top of the pot. Break up
suspect that your bulbs are faulty, do not hesitate any lumps as you go.
to get in touch. 5. Gently press the soil so that it’s nice and flat.
6. Make sure you place your pot on feet to allow the moisture
from the pot to escape.

In Grass

Daffodils create the perfect wild garden display, allowing you

to grow them in grassy areas.

For a natural-looking effect, grab a handful of bulbs and throw

Quick tip: Daffodil bulbs are quite fragile. them onto the area that you’d like to grow them and plant
Excessive wetness will cause them to rot, them where they land. Daffodils will naturalise when grown
stopping them from growing properly. Make in grass, doubling the number of flowers grown each year!
sure you plant them in a well-drained spot,
adding proper drainage to their planting site Plant as you would in beds and containers – Bulb pointy side
as possible! up, 3 times the depth of the bulb.
Where to Plant When will they flower?
Daffodil bulbs can be planted in beds, containers, and grass/ Although Daffodils are one of the earliest blooms to appear
lawns. They are both easy to grow and maintain, ideal for in spring, depending on the type of Daffodil you choose, they
both beginners and low-maintenance garden owners. will fall under three flowering periods: Early, mid, and late.

Grow your bulbs in areas that reach plenty of sunlight. Early Daffodils
Although they do tolerate shade, they prefer sunny conditions
to grow. Varieties like Narcissi Tete a Tete and February Gold are
some of the earliest to appear in spring, blooming from as
early as February. These blooms are perfect for adding some
much-needed colour to the garden after the cold winter
months, lasting through to late March or even early April.

Mid-season Daffodils

March-flowering daffodils are considered mid-season. This

will include a large majority of daffodil varieties, including the
likes of St. Patrick’s Day and Replete. These will pair nicely
with other mid-spring bulbs and blooms, as they last through
to late April, creating the perfect seasonal display.

Late Daffodils

Late Daffodils are considered to flower from April through

to May. They’re perfect for creating a border between spring
and summer blooms, leaving you with plenty of colour in your
beds and containers. Late-flowering daffodils include varie-
ties like Jonquilla daffodils, Narcissus poeticus (like Actaea
and Pheasant Eye (Recurvus)), and several dwarf daffodils
like Hawera.

If you are unsure, check the flowering information on the

product page as it will indicate what months that specific
plant or flower will appear.

Common issues & how to solve them

Daffodil Blindness

In their first year, daffodils will grow effortlessly. After

their first bloom, they may struggle to regrow. This is often
referred to as Daffodil Blindness, as its foliage will appear
without the flowerhead.

To prevent this issue, ensure each bulb has proper drainage,

the bulbs are of good quality (firm, not soft) and are planted
deep enough (2-3 times the depth of the bulb).

Narcissus Yellow Stripe

Unlike other plant diseases, Yellow Stripe doesn’t kill plants,

but it does cause them to lose their tenacity and they will
struggle to regrow. The most common symptom to look
for is yellow streaks down the leaves of each plant. These
will become more prominent as the plant grows. It can also
distort the leaves and stems of the plant.

To reduce the risk of contracting this virus, try the following:

Planting in a new site where daffodils haven’t been grown
before and checking that the bulbs are healthy before
planting.
After Care
When to water

As long as the soil is moist, there’s no need to water your daffodils too
often. As the spring season in Britain is usually quite damp, the rain will
water your bulbs for you! If we’re having an abnormally dry season, then
you can water them once a week.

Avoid watering in the summer months, as the bulbs go dormant and will
not thrive the following year.

What to do once they’ve finished blooming

Unlike other spring bulbs, it’s not recommended that you cut back
daffodils before they’ve completely died back. Cutting them too early
can affect the bulb, stopping it from creating enough food and energy to
help it re-grow the following year.
Quick tip: If you’re worried about them
Storing tips reflowering, plant your older bulbs in less
important areas around the garden and
Although not necessary, especially when grown in grass, daffodil bulbs
purchase new ones for potted displays or the
can be lifted after flowering. This can allow you to move them to another
front of the border.
location and even help them to reflower after their first season.

1. Wait until the plant has died down and has reached a straw colour Deadheading
(often brown).
2. Brush off any remnants of soil and dirt gently. If the bulb feels a bit Deadheading daffodils can help redirect the
squishy, it could be a sign of damage or disease and is best thrown bulb’s energy into creating a new flower once
away. the other one has wilted. It also helps to keep the
3. Leave the bulbs to dry thoroughly at room temperature. Their skin flower bed looking tidy and uniform whilst the
will feel papery when fully dried. others are still in bloom.
4. Once dried, keep them in trays or paper bags in a dry room. This
Simply cut the spent flower with clean shears,
room should be around 10-20°C.
just above the leaves.
5. Replant in late autumn.