What soil does Daffodil grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Daffodil flower?

Flowering: March–May, yellow, white, orange, pink.

How much water does Daffodil need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Daffodil cost?

It sells for roughly €2.90 to €88 in local shops, depending on size.

Daffodil

Narcissus × hybridus

Daffodil (Narcissus × hybridus) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €2.90.

Illustration of Daffodil — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Daffodils are among the most dependable spring bulbs: they return every year, the bulbs multiply by offsets so a handful thickens into a dense clump within a few years, and deer and rabbits leave them alone. Plant in autumn at two to three times the height of the bulb (roughly 10-15 cm deep), 10-20 cm apart, in groups of at least six to ten, in sun or light shade and well-drained soil. The range is huge: dwarfs (15-20 cm) suit edges and pots, tall large-cupped kinds (40-50 cm) suit borders and grass, flowers come in yellow, white, or with orange or salmon cups, single or double, and only some are scented, so check height, flowering time and fragrance when you choose. After flowering let the leaves yellow completely, without cutting or tying them, because they feed the bulb for next year.

Watch out for

It has few problems. In heavy, waterlogged soil the bulbs rot, and fusarium basal rot is then the most common cause of losses, so avoid wet spots and discard soft or damaged bulbs. The grub of the large narcissus bulb fly eats the bulb out from the inside: nothing comes up, or only thin grassy leaves. Eelworm, bulb mites, virus leaf striping and slug damage also occur. If a clump produces only leaves after some years it has become congested: lift and divide it once the foliage has died back.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, yellow, white, orange, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	15–75 cm × 15–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, yellow, white, orange, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	15 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €2.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
bulb or tuber	approx. €6 – €7
size not stated	approx. €2.90 – €88

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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