Daffodils are a quintessential spring flower, a sign that longer days and warmer weather are on their way! There are a huge variety of daffodils, from miniature to the traditional large varieties. Miniature daffodils are ideal for rockeries, border edging, window boxes and spring containers. Larger varieties are excellent for creating swathes of colour in borders and containers, or they can be naturalised in grass. Try visiting your local gardens in March and April for inspiration on how to grow daffodils in your garden.
As with most plants, giving your daffodils a good start at planting time will give you the best display. If your soil is compacted break it up with a garden fork and work in plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost. Daffodils like a moist but free draining soil. Choose a sunny or semi-shaded spot which receives at least 3 hours of sun per day; daffodils won’t flower in heavy shade. If flowering is poor you can top-dress the soil around your daffodils with a slow release bulb fertiliser each spring. Simply sprinkle the fertiliser around the soil at the base of the leaves.
When cut, Daffodils should be kept alone in a vase, as their stems secrete a fluid that promotes the wilting of other flowers. If you must combine them, soak them by themselves for as long as possible, then rinse them and add them to the arrangement last.
