How to grow Daffodil in the UK
Narcissus
Daffodil (Narcissus) is a flower that grows well in UK gardens. Plant 2-3x bulb depth. Don't cut leaves until they yellow — they feed next year's flowers. This guide covers when and how to sow Daffodil, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Flowers
Difficulty
Easy — good for beginners
Position
partial sun (3–6 hrs)
Sow
spring
Harvest
—
When to sow & grow Daffodil
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep Plant | Oct Plant | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Free-draining soil; bulbs rot in waterlogged ground
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Position
- Sun to dappled shade; many naturalise under deciduous trees
- Sowing depth
- 2–3× the bulb height deep
- Spacing
- 2–3 bulb-widths apart
- Sowing
- Plant dormant bulbs in autumn (tulips best in November)
- Growing
- Little care needed; feed after flowering if naturalising
- Harvest & upkeep
- Let foliage die back naturally — do not tie or cut for 6 weeks after flowering
- Watch for
- Slugs on shoots; squirrels dig newly planted bulbs; narcissus bulb fly
Companion planting for Daffodil
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Daffodil this year
Add Daffodil to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Daffodil FAQs
How much sun does Daffodil need?
Daffodil prefers partial sun (3–6 hrs).
Is Daffodil easy to grow?
Easy — good for beginners. Plant 2-3x bulb depth. Don't cut leaves until they yellow — they feed next year's flowers.