When should you plant daffodil bulbs in pots? Take a look at Monty Don's top tips

We've finally reached autumn, and while spring might seem a long way off, preparations for the first blooms of the year start now. Figuring out when to plant daffodil bulbs in pots will ensure you're cultivating the best spring displays.

Knowing when to plant daffodil bulbs could mean the difference between no-show flowers and abundant blooms next year – but what about planting daffodils in pots?

Well, learning how to plant daffodil bulbs is even simpler in containers – they're one of the easiest spring bulbs to grow in pots, after all – but we're always on the lookout for the latest expert advice.

Thankfully, Monty Don has revealed his tried-and-tested tips for potted daffodil success – so if you're a narcissus novice, you'll find everything you need to know in this Monty-inspired guide.

When to plant daffodil bulbs

Monty Don also lent us a helping hand with ripening our stubbornly still-green tomatoes. So, yes, it makes sense that he knows exactly when to plant daffodil bulbs in pots: from September, obviously.

‘The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is typically in the autumn, from September to November,’ agrees Jack Sutcliffe, gardening expert and co-founder of Power Sheds. ‘This allows the bulbs to establish their roots before the winter and be ready to bloom in the spring.’

More importantly, though, our beloved Monty knows exactly how to plant daffodils in pots to ensure they survive the cold winter months.

'Spring bulbs are now on sale but the ground is often much too hard to plant them in grass at this stage of the year, so I always begin by planting some bulbs in pots,' muses Monty Don in his popular gardening blog.

The horticulturalist goes on to explain that he looks out for smaller daffodil varieties at this time of year, such as the 'Tête-à-Tête'.

Why? Well, according to Monty, it's because these varieties tend to 'flower a little earlier' than the larger flowers in your garden border, meaning they can be 'positioned to maximum effect next spring'.

Keen to get started? Here's what you need to know.

What you will need

If you're keen to get started, gather all of the tools you need for growing daffodils in pots.

You will need:

• Daffodil bulbs (again, we recommend the Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête')
• An attractive pot, such as this terracotta bulb pot from Crocus
• A bag of Peat-Free John Innes No. 2 mix
• A bag of Westland Potting Grit
• A narrow hand trowel/bulb planter

Try these daffodil varieties

How to plant daffodils in pots

When it comes to learning how and when to plant daffodil bulbs in pots, the process is pretty simple – especially if you follow Monty Don's advice.

You will need to...

1. Fill your containers

Take your plant pot and fill it with peat-free potting compost. 'Mix your compost with some grit to make sure the drainage is good and the bulbs do not become waterlogged over winter,' adds Monty Don.

Just make sure you choose a large enough pot. 'Daffodils require a large container for optimal growth due to their extensive root structure,' explains Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres..

2. Plant them the right way up

That's right – forget figuring out when to plant daffodil bulbs, and start focusing on which way round they should be.

Basically, the pointy end needs to be sticking upwards. But you'll also need to plant them deep enough in the soil.

'Bulbs are generally planted at a depth of three times their size, so bear that in mind to ensure you give them plenty of space to grow,' says Nigel Lawton, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer.

If you're unsure, you can't go far wrong by placing the bulbs in the container at a depth of around 10cm.

3. Huddle your bulbs together

Ideally, your bulbs will need to be around 10-15cm (between 4-6 inches) apart, but you can cluster them together more closely than you would in the ground.

'We recommend planting in clusters for a more natural look,' says Josh Novell, gardening expert at Polhill Garden Centre.

In fact, leaving just 5cm between bulbs will make for a gorgeous spring display come next year.

4. Water them well

Be sure to give your bulbs a good watering to get them going, and leave them to their own devices: they should be watered well by the rain over the winter.

5. Pop them somewhere snug

Then, you'll need to make sure the bulbs are protected from the worst of the winter weather. 'Place the planted daffodil pots in a sheltered position outdoors, ready to move into the sun when new growth appears,' advises Monty Don.

'Store the container in a cool and dark location for approximately 10 weeks. Once the shoots reach a height of 5cm, relocate the container to a well-lit area. It is advisable to water the daffodil bulbs sparingly since they are not fond of excessive water,' adds Julian.

FAQs

What is the latest month to plant daffodil bulbs?

The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is September, as it will give your plants plenty of time to get established. However, you can plant bulbs right through until November if you must, and even as late as January – if you can break through that chilly soil and dig a hole deep enough to plant them, that is.

Can you leave daffodils in pots over winter?

You can absolutely leave daffodil bulbs in pots over winter, especially if you follow Monty Don's advice. However, if you bring them indoors during flowering, be sure to put them in a sheltered spot outside as soon as flowering is over.

So, now you know when to plant daffodil bulbs in pots, you can follow Monty Don's tips and enjoy your best spring displays yet.