When and How to Plant Daffodils: Autumn Bulb Planting Guide (UK)

One of the best reasons to plant daffodils is that they’re among the first flowers to brighten up your garden next year, blooming from March through to June. Daffodils (Narcissus) are autumn bulbs that should be planted between October and December, ready to bloom the following spring.

Daffodils are easy to grow both in pots and directly in the garden, and they’re hardier than many other bulbs, able to withstand the colder British weather. Unlike some other bulb plants, daffodil bulbs don’t need to be dug up and stored over winter. Left in the ground, they’ll produce additional bulbils, increasing the number of flowers you’ll enjoy year after year.

Daffodils come in more colours than just white – there are many hybrid varieties, offering a range of shapes and shades. The more delicate botanical varieties have smaller flowers, while large-cupped daffodils can grow up to 45 cm tall.

Planting Daffodils in Pots and Gardens

Before planting daffodil bulbs, it’s important to prepare the soil. In the garden, loosen the soil with a spade to ensure it’s soft and well-draining, as bulbs dislike sitting in waterlogged conditions. Incorporating a granular fertiliser designed for flowering plants at this stage will help give your bulbs a nutrient boost. After about a week, plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards, at a depth twice their diameter.

For planting daffodils in pots, use compost suitable for flowering plants and place a layer of expanded clay pellets or gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. The nutrients in potting compost can deplete over time, so to keep your daffodils blooming beautifully, use a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants, mixed with water, every 15 days from February to April.

Daffodils thrive in sunny locations but can also do well in partial shade.

Water regularly, especially if you’re growing them in pots, but be careful not to overwater. After planting, water every two weeks, and only when the soil feels dry.

Once the flowers have finished blooming, cut the stems with the faded flowers, but leave the leaves to dry naturally. This allows the plant to store nutrients back into the bulb, which helps ensure a strong bloom next year.

With these tips, you’ll have a vibrant display of daffodils welcoming spring in your garden or on your patio!