My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Daffodil

Narcissus pseudonarcissus · Amaryllidaceae

Bloomingfrom February to April

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant daffodil: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Bloom Planting

ID card

Scientific name
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Plant type
Perennial bulb
Flowering
February to April
Mature size
30 to 50 cm in height
Foliage
Deciduous
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -15 °C)
Origin
British Isles and Pyrenean region

Care

Watering

Water moderately at planting time and during the humid winter period. Daffodils prefer moist but well-drained soil; excess water can cause bulb rot. Once established, they tolerate the relative dryness of spring quite well.

Light exposure

Place your daffodils in a sunny or partially shaded spot. They flower generously in direct sunlight, but tolerate partial shade, particularly in warm regions. Good light promotes more abundant and lasting blooms.

Soil preparation

Choose well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Daffodils adapt to most soils, but dread permanent waterlogging. Mix in compost or planting compost when planting the bulbs.

Fertilizer and nutrition

Apply a bulb fertilizer or organic amendment when planting. At the end of flowering, a light potassium boost encourages the bulb to rebuild its reserves. Avoid excess nitrogen, which reduces flowering.

Pruning and maintenance

Never cut the foliage immediately after flowering: let it yellow naturally (4 to 6 weeks) so the bulb can rebuild its reserves. Remove spent flowers to prevent unnecessary seed set.

Diseases and pests

Daffodils are little affected by pests thanks to their natural alkaloids. Watch for bulb rot if soil is too wet. Viruses can occasionally affect plants, but remain rare in ordinary cultivation.

Did you know?

The daffodil is synonymous with spring in Welsh and English culture, so much so that it has been the floral emblem of Wales for centuries. It owes this status to the ancient legend that Saint David wore a daffodil at the Battle of Camlann in the 6th century. In England, the sale of daffodils to support breast cancer research is an unmissable tradition every March.

Where to buy it

Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.