Daffodil
Narcissus
Spring-flowering bulbous perennial producing trumpet- or cup-shaped yellow, white, or orange blooms; hardy, easy to grow, commonly used in borders and naturalized plantings.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
All parts are toxic, especially bulbs, containing alkaloids like lycorine. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and drooling; skin contact may cause irritation.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Plant daffodils where they receive full morning sun and light afternoon shade; outdoors aim for at least 4–6 hours of sunlight. Indoors, place on a bright windowsill with some direct light but avoid hot, south-facing afternoon glare that can scorch foliage.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist from planting through flowering; water when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) feels dry. After bloom, gradually reduce watering as foliage yellows and allow the soil to dry during dormancy. Never let bulbs sit in waterlogged soil to prevent rot.
Humidity
Daffodils tolerate average indoor humidity (about 40–60%). They do not require extra humidity; avoid high humidity and poor airflow which can promote bulb rot. Provide good ventilation and avoid misting the bulbs.
Temperature
Prefer cool to mild conditions: optimal 10–18°C (50–65°F). Tolerant roughly 5–24°C (41–75°F). Bulbs require a cool chilling period (2–7°C / 35–45°F) before reliable spring flowering.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Foliage turns yellow soon after flowering
Cause: Natural senescence or premature leaf removal, overwatering, or nutrient deficiency
Solution: Leave leaves intact until they yellow naturally to allow bulb energy storage; reduce watering and feed with a balanced bulb fertilizer after bloom if needed.
Soft, smelly bulbs / no growth
Cause: Bulb rot from poor drainage or overwatering
Solution: Remove affected bulbs, improve soil drainage or potting mix, allow remaining bulbs to dry, and replant in fresh, gritty mix; avoid standing water.
Stunted growth or missing blooms
Cause: Overcrowded bulbs or insufficient winter chill/insufficient light
Solution: Lift and divide crowded clumps in summer dormancy, move to a sunnier site, ensure adequate winter chill or refrigerate bulbs before forcing.
Chewed foliage or damaged bulbs
Cause: Pests such as narcissus bulb fly, slugs or rodents
Solution: Inspect bulbs before planting, remove infested bulbs, use slug controls and barriers, consider physical protection or traps for rodents and flies.
✂️How to Propagate Daffodil
Best propagated by dividing bulbs (offsets). After foliage has died back, lift clumps, gently separate offsets from the parent bulb, discard any soft/rotten bulbs. Replant offsets at a depth about 2–3 times their height and space 8–15 cm apart. Seeds can be collected but take several years to produce flowering bulbs; ensure seeds are sown fresh in well-draining mix and left undisturbed through winter.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Native to: Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, especially parts of Iberia and western Europe.
Natural Habitat: Grows in temperate meadows, open woodlands and rocky slopes with well-draining soils, experiencing cool wet winters and warm dry summers; often found in grasslands and low scrub.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Ensure bulbs receive chilling if forcing indoors; outdoors they need cold dormancy. Protect shallow plantings with mulch in very cold areas and keep pots cool and slightly drier.
Spring
Water regularly while plants are actively growing and blooming. Deadhead spent blooms but leave foliage intact until it yellows to replenish the bulb for next year.
Summer
As foliage yellows, reduce watering and allow bulbs to go dormant. In hot climates, provide light shade. Lift and store potted bulbs in a cool, dry place if necessary.
Fall
Plant bulbs 2–4 weeks before the ground freezes at a depth of about 2–3 times bulb height. Apply a light fertilizer at planting and ensure good drainage.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can daffodils be grown in pots?
Yes. Use deep pots with gritty, well-draining mix, plant bulbs pointed up, keep cool for chilling, and water moderately during growth.
When should I divide daffodil bulbs?
Divide every 3–5 years after foliage dies back in late spring or early summer when bulbs are dormant and clumps are overcrowded.
Are daffodils poisonous to pets?
Yes. Daffodils are toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion can cause vomiting and more severe symptoms. Keep pets away from bulbs and cut flowers.
How long do daffodil blooms last?
Individual blooms last 2–3 weeks depending on variety and weather. Cooler temperatures usually extend flower longevity.
Can I force daffodils to bloom indoors?
Yes. Pre-chill bulbs 10–12 weeks at 2–7°C (35–45°F), then bring into bright, cool indoor conditions to encourage flowering.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025