Daffodil
Narcissus spp.
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Remove spent blooms; allow foliage to die back naturally
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; keep soil moist during growth, dry in dormancy
Fertilize: Feed in early spring and after blooming
Leaves: Long, strap-like green leaves
Flowers: Trumpet-shaped blooms in spring
Pruning
Daffodils do not require heavy pruning, but deadheading (removing spent flowers) after blooming helps redirect the plant's energy back into the bulb. Do not cut back the leaves until they have yellowed and died back naturally, as they are essential for storing nutrients for next year’s blooms. Let the foliage remain for at least 6–8 weeks after flowering.
Watering
Water daffodils moderately during their active growing period (fall through spring). Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in spring. Once the foliage starts to yellow and the plant goes dormant in late spring or early summer, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out to prevent bulb rot.
Leaves
Daffodils have long, narrow, strap-like green leaves that emerge in early spring. These leaves are smooth and upright and should be left in place until they naturally wither to feed the bulb.
Sunlight
Daffodils prefer full sun, ideally 6+ hours a day, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Planting them in sunnier locations typically results in more vigorous growth and better flowering.
Fertilization
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer in early spring as shoots emerge and again after the flowers fade. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush leaves and fewer flowers. Bone meal or bulb-specific fertilizers work well.
Flowers
Daffodil flowers typically have a central trumpet (corona) surrounded by six petal-like tepals, and bloom in early to mid-spring. Colors range from classic yellow to white, cream, orange, and even pink, depending on the variety. Most varieties are fragrant and symbolize renewal and spring’s arrival.