Daffodils: The Unkillable Spring Bulb
Narcissus spp.
Daffodils are the most dependable spring bulb. Deer ignore them, squirrels won't dig them, and they multiply quietly year after year. Plant once in fall and enjoy for decades.
Specifications
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low
- Hardiness zones
- 3–9
- Height
- 6 in – 2 ft
- Bloom time
- Early to mid-spring
Care & growing tips
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in fall, pointed end up. Let foliage fully yellow before removing — it feeds next year's bloom. Divide clumps every 5–7 years when blooms decline. Mix early, mid, and late varieties for 8+ weeks of flowers.
Companion plants
03Find daffodils in your zone
13Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
- Z3 Daffodils in Zone 3
- Z4 Daffodils in Zone 4
- Z5 Daffodils in Zone 5
- Z6 Daffodils in Zone 6
- Z7 Daffodils in Zone 7
- Z7a Daffodils in Zone 7a
- Z7b Daffodils in Zone 7b
- Z8 Daffodils in Zone 8
- Z8a Daffodils in Zone 8a
- Z8b Daffodils in Zone 8b
- Z9 Daffodils in Zone 9
- Z9a Daffodils in Zone 9a
- Z9b Daffodils in Zone 9b
Frequently Asked Questions
01 When should I cut back daffodil foliage?
Only after leaves have fully yellowed — usually 6–8 weeks after flowering. Cutting earlier starves the bulb and reduces next year's blooms.
02 Do daffodils multiply?
Yes — most varieties multiply steadily, forming dense clumps over 5–7 years. When blooming declines, lift and divide the clump in early summer after foliage dies back. Replant immediately at the original depth, 6 inches apart.
03 Why are my daffodils leafing out but not blooming?
Called 'blindness,' usually from one of three causes: bulbs planted too shallow (needs 6 inches deep), crowded clumps that need dividing, or foliage cut back too early in previous years. Also — hot summers in southern zones can prevent reliable return.
