When to plant daffodil bulbs – timing is everything if you want healthy spring blooms

Daffodils are classic spring flowers, but the work starts now if you want bright and healthy blooms next year. Knowing when to plant daffodil bulbs could be the key to your best spring displays yet.

In fact, learning when to plant bulbs for spring is just as important as knowing how to plant daffodil bulbs. Once you've figured out both sides of the coin, you'll be rewarded with a flurry of vibrant yellow blooms come spring.

And although we've already talked about when to plant daffodil bulbs in pots, we're focusing on when to plant daffodil bulbs in the ground in this guide.

When to plant daffodil bulbs

Autumn is the prime time for planting most spring bulbs, and daffodils are one of them.

'Planting now might seem premature, but it's the ideal time,' says Peter Mortin, gardening expert at Crane Garden Buildings. 'These bulbs hibernate during winter, awaiting the perfect moment to blossom.'

Getting your daffodil bulbs in the ground any time between September and November will give the roots the best chance of establishing themselves before the winter chill sets in.

But if you don't manage to plant your bulbs on time, fear not. 'If you've missed this deadline you can plant daffodils up until January, as long as the ground isn't frozen,' says Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench.

However, for the best chance of success, you'll want to plant your bulbs before the first frost. 'When planting your spring garden, selecting the right bulbs and planting them at the optimum time is crucial for a vibrant display,' adds Emma Fell, head of learning and development at Hillier Garden Centres.

So, there we have it – the safest way to ensure spring blooms is by planting daffodil bulbs between September and November. Time to stock up on our favourite varieties!

Steve Chilton

Steve is a passionate and knowledgeable garden expert with several years of experience within the field. As the director of LeisureBench, an industry-leading garden furniture company, Steve has developed strong expertise for all things nature and plants.

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FAQs

What is the best month to plant daffodil bulbs?

If you're wondering when to plant bulbs for spring, the best time is in the autumn, specifically from September to November.

‘In the UK, the best time to plant daffodil bulbs is in autumn from September to November because planting during this season allows the bulbs to shoot roots earlier before winter sets in, and they'll be able to bloom in the spring,’ says Petar Ivanov, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners. ‘The ideal time for planting the bulbs is at least six weeks earlier than the ground freezes, giving them enough time to develop a strong root system.’

What is the latest month to plant daffodil bulbs?

It’s down to the wire, but if the ground isn’t frozen, you can plant daffodil bulbs up to January. But the earlier in the autumn, the better.

Now run, don’t walk, to stock up on your daffodil bulbs and get them in the ground before the end of autumn.