How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs

Overview

The bright yellow flowers of the daffodil is one of the first harbingers of spring. Daffodils aren't finicky---plant them in shade or sun and in a range of soil types successfully. Plant daffodils in beds on their own or mix them in with late-blooming flowers. The daffodils will bloom in the spring and the later bloomers will add color to the bed as the daffodils begin to fade. Plant daffodils in late September to enjoy them come spring.

Step 1

Loosen the soil in the garden bed with a spade or hand rake. Loosen the top 8 to 10 inches of soil.

Step 2

Dig a hole with your spade to a depth three times the daffodil bulb's length. Space holes 3 to 6 inches apart in rows or circles.

Step 3

Sprinkle bulb fertilizer onto the bottom of each hole to encourage root growth before the first hard frost.

Step 4

Set the bulb in the hole with the fat, flat end on the bottom. Scoop the soil back into the hole.

Step 5

Water the daffodil bed deeply, then cover with an organic mulch such as pine bark or straw.