Gardeners are being urged to plant daffodil bulbs now to secure healthy spring flowers, with the planting window running from September until November. David Denyer, a flower specialist at Eflorist with more than 35 years of experience, has shared guidance on timing and technique to help produce more robust displays and healthier blooms.
Best time to plant daffodil bulbs
Denyer said: "The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is from September through November, while the soil still holds some warmth but before it becomes too wet in winter. This allows the bulbs to put down strong roots, which is what leads to healthy growth and spring flowers. If you wait until late winter, your bulbs may not establish properly, which can result in small or missing blooms."
How and where to plant
Denyer advised choosing a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-draining soil. For heavy clay soil, he recommended adding grit or planting in raised beds and pots to prevent rot. In sandy soil, mixing in compost helps the ground retain moisture.
"Bulbs should be planted around three times their own depth, usually 10 to 15 cm, and spaced about 7 to 10 cm apart," he said. "Place them with the pointed tip facing upwards, as this is where the shoots will emerge from. If your bulbs are planted too shallowly, they can become unstable and are more likely to topple once they flower."
Creating a better display
Denyer suggested planting bulbs in clusters rather than straight rows, aiming for odd-numbered groups of three, five, or seven for a more natural look. Mixing early, mid, and late-flowering daffodil varieties can extend the flowering season.
For containers, he recommended the 'lasagne method', which involves layering bulbs at different depths. "The deeper bulbs flower first, followed by the middle and top layers, giving you waves of flowers over a longer period," he explained.
Aftercare tips
Once planted, bulbs should be watered thoroughly to help the soil settle and encourage root growth. After that, they can usually be left alone through winter, as rainfall should provide enough moisture.
Denyer advised marking planted areas with a label or decorative rock to avoid accidental disturbance when the soil looks bare. He noted that bulbs already contain all the energy they need to flower, so no feeding is required at planting. "Just make sure the soil stays free-draining over winter and if you're using a container, keep an eye on it so it doesn't become waterlogged," he said.
