The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is in the autumn months, typically from late August or September through to November or even up to December. This timing allows the bulbs to develop roots before the ground freezes, helping them to flower well in spring. The ideal soil temperature for planting is around 60°F (15°C) at a depth of 6 inches. While autumn is best, you can still plant daffodils later in the season, even in early winter, as long as the ground is not frozen yet. If planting late, it's helpful to cover the bulbs with a thick layer of mulch or compost to protect them. For warmer climates, planting may be delayed until the coldest part of winter, and in some cases pre-chilling the bulbs may be necessary. Summary:
- Plant daffodil bulbs from late August/September to November or December
- Soil temperature around 60°F at 6-inch depth is ideal
- Plant before the ground freezes; later planting possible with mulch protection
- In warmer zones, plant in the coldest winter period, possibly after pre-chilling bulbs
This window gives daffodils time to root and emerge beautifully in early to mid-spring.
