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Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Daffodils and Narcissi

The names "daffodil" and "narcissus" are pretty much interchangeable; they both refer to the many lovely and popular varieties of spring bulbs in the genus Narcissus. Some people use the term "daffodils" to describe the large-flowered forms, and "narcissi" to describe the small-flowered forms, but botanically speaking they are all in the genus Narcissus, and share all of the most important traits.

Next to tulips, daffodils are the most popular of the spring-flowering bulbs. They are easy to cultivate, they flower early and reliably, and their poisonous alkaloids mean that deer, rodents and other troublesome pests tend not to wreak the same havoc on daffodils that they do on other spring flowers.

Planting Daffodil Bulbs

Whereas some bulbs like hyacinths and tulips look best when planted in geometric masses, daffodils lend themselves to irregularity and wide, random spread. Don't crowd the daffodil bulbs too much, as this impedes the production of more bulbs and flowers from year to year.

You should plant your daffodil bulbs as soon as you buy them in the fall, but if you have to store them, keep them in a cool, dry place, following our bulb storage guidelines, otherwise you might damage the narcissus bud or even kill the bulb. Most nurseries and garden centers get their daffodil bulbs in September and October, so you should start looking then for a good selection. Also, good quality stock does matter! Be sure to purchase your bulbs from a reputable vendor such as Spring Hill Nursery or Michigan Bulb Company.

Like most spring bulbs, daffodils thrive in rich, drier soils. Wet soil tends to cause the bulbs to rot. Choose a well-drained area with plenty of sun for your daffodils. Plant the daffodil bulbs so the neck of the bulb is about 4-5 inches beneath the surface; smaller bulbs can be planted with the neck at a depth of 2-3 inches. If you aren't certain, it's better to err on the side of depth rather than shallowness. At planting time, you can add a fertilizer like bonemeal or superphosphate to the soil. If fertilizing an established planting, add a slow-release fertilizer in the fall to enhance flowering and bulb growth in the spring.

Once your daffodils have flowered, keep watering the bulbs and allow the foliage to brown and die back naturally. By leaving the foliage, you are allowing the bulb to replenish its stocks so that next year's flowers will be healthy and plentiful.