Daffodil
Narcissus
Daffodils are the quintessential spring flower in Britain, carpeting woodland edges, roadside verges, and garden borders with golden yellow from February to April. They're incredibly easy to grow — plant bulbs in autumn, pointed end up, and they'll flower reliably for years with almost no care. They naturalise brilliantly in grass, creating meadow-like drifts that improve year on year. The key rule is never to cut back the foliage after flowering until it has yellowed naturally (at least six weeks) — the leaves are photosynthesising to recharge the bulb for next year's flowers. 'King Alfred' types give large trumpet flowers; 'Tête-à-Tête' is a compact miniature perfect for pots and borders. Daffodils are toxic to rodents and deer, so they're left alone where other bulbs get dug up. They're also poisonous to cats and dogs, so take care in gardens with pets.
Plan where to grow Daffodil using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Daffodil
Plant daffodil in September, October, November. It flowers from February to April.
Time to Flower Daffodil
Expect flowers approximately 5 months after planting.
Expected Yield
Bulbs multiply naturally; expect clumps to double in size every 3–4 years.
Pruning Daffodil
Snap off faded flower heads so the bulb doesn't waste energy on seed, but leave the foliage to die back naturally for at least six weeks before cutting it down. Don't knot or tie the leaves.
Common Problems with Daffodil
Blind daffodils (no flowers)
The most common cause is overcrowding — bulbs multiply underground and eventually compete for nutrients, producing leaves but no flowers. Lift and divide congested clumps every 3–4 years after the foliage dies back naturally. Never cut or tie up the leaves before they have yellowed (at least 6 weeks after flowering), as this is when the bulb stores energy for next year's blooms.
Narcissus fly
A large hoverfly-like insect that lays eggs near the base of the dying foliage in late spring; the resulting fat white grub eats out the centre of the bulb, leaving it soft and hollow. Plant bulbs deeply (at least 10cm) and firm the soil well after the foliage dies back, as the fly is attracted to the holes left by dying leaves. Destroy any soft or hollow bulbs you discover when lifting or dividing.
Basal rot
A fungal disease (Fusarium) that causes the base plate of the bulb to rot, often spreading through warm, wet soil in summer. Improve drainage, avoid damaging bulbs when digging nearby, and remove any soft, discoloured, or foul-smelling bulbs immediately to prevent the fungus spreading to healthy neighbours.
Daffodil: common questions
When should I plant daffodil in the UK?
Plant daffodil from September to November.
How far apart should I plant daffodil?
Space daffodil about 10cm apart. It grows to around 40cm tall.
When does daffodil flower?
Daffodil usually flowers from February to April in the UK.
Does daffodil come back every year?
Yes. Daffodil is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune daffodil?
Snap off faded flower heads so the bulb doesn't waste energy on seed, but leave the foliage to die back naturally for at least six weeks before cutting it down. Don't knot or tie the leaves.
Is daffodil frost hardy?
Yes. Daffodil is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Plan your daffodil in the allotment planner
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