When to plant Daffodils in Bristol

Narcissus spp.

Daffodil
Daffodil · Narcissus spp.

Hardy spring bulbs for borders, lawns and pots in the UK. They also do well in light shade under deciduous trees, before the canopy closes. Plant in free-draining soil in autumn. They flower in late winter to spring, then die back to feed the bulb.

35 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Plant out August to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Bulbs

    19 Aug to 18 Oct

    Plant bulbs around 19th August - 18th October, pointy end up, in free-draining soil. Set them about three times the bulb height deep, using as a guide. Space apart. Water in if the soil is dry, or if no rain is due.

    • Get them in while the soil is still warm, so roots can form before winter.
    • All parts are toxic if eaten. Bulbs get mistaken for onions. Keep them labelled and away from onion stores. Sap can irritate skin. Wear gloves if it does.
  2. 02

    Check Shoots

    19 Jan to 18 Feb 2027

    From 19th January 2027, watch for shoots. Protect foliage and flowers from slugs and snails. Keep the soil just moist. Water containers so excess drains. Do not let pots sit wet.

    • In pots, use a high-potassium liquid feed once shoots appear. Stop when the foliage dies down. Ground plants do not need routine feed.
  3. 03

    Enjoy Flowers

    3 Feb to 3 May 2027

    From 3rd February 2027 through 3rd May 2027, enjoy the flowers as they open. Pick a few for a vase if you want. Deadhead spent blooms. Leave the foliage in place so it can feed the bulb.

  4. 04

    Leave Foliage To Die Back

    3 May to 14 Jun 2027

    Keep the leaves in place for about six weeks after flowering, from 3rd May 2027 to 14th June 2027. Let them yellow naturally. Do not knot or tie them. Tidy them away once they come off cleanly.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Daffodil.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Daffodil to consider

Tête-à-Tête

A very compact mini daffodil with bright yellow flowers, good for pots, window boxes and the front of borders.

King Alfred

A classic large trumpet daffodil with strong yellow flowers, widely grown in UK gardens.

Carlton

A reliable large-cupped yellow daffodil with sturdy stems and good garden performance.

Thalia

A refined white, multi-headed daffodil that flowers well in borders and light shade.

Daffodil guides by town

See how Daffodil timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.