Daffodils are a classic spring flower, adding vibrant color and cheer to your garden. But did you know you can extend their bloom time by strategically planting early, mid, and late-blooming varieties? This layered planting technique creates a captivating display of daffodils throughout the spring season, providing lasting beauty and enjoyment.
Here’s a planting plan for a layered daffodil display:
Early Spring (February-March):
- Variety: ‘Tete-a-Tete’ (miniature daffodil)
- Height: 8-12 inches
- Color: Bright yellow
- Planting Time: Fall (September-October)
- Planting Depth: 4-5 inches
Mid Spring (March-April):
- Variety: ‘Golden Ducat’ (double-flowering daffodil)
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Color: Golden yellow with orange centers
- Planting Time: Fall (September-October)
- Planting Depth: 6-8 inches
Late Spring (April-May):
- Variety: ‘Ice Follies’ (split corona daffodil)
- Height: 16-20 inches
- Color: White with a green split corona
- Planting Time: Fall (September-October)
- Planting Depth: 8-10 inches
Planting Instructions:
- Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by digging to a depth of 8-10 inches and adding compost or organic matter. If you are doing lots, consider a drill attachment that can dig the hole for you.
- Plant the bulbs according to the recommended depths and spacing (typically 4-6 inches apart). Plant with the top (pointy end) set about 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. For example, the top of a 2-inch bulb should be about 4 inches in the ground, while a 3-inch bulb should be planted 5 to 6 inches deep.
- Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the bulbs to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Tips for Success:
- Purchase high-quality bulbs from a reputable source, we like Eden Brothers
- Plant the bulbs in well-draining soil to prevent fungal diseases.
- Fertilize the bulbs at the time of planting.
- !!! Everyone seems to have their own approach to dealing with daffodils after they flower. If you can, deadhead them by cutting the blooms off. This is just taking energy away from the bulb. The remaining stems will capture more energy from the sun for the bulbs so leave them in place until they die and turn brown.
- Divide and replant crowded clumps of daffodils every 3-4 years.