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garden
Daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
MedicinalToxic — Use Caution
Overview
Cheerful trumpets of yellow, white, and orange that announce spring's arrival, daffodils are among the most reliable and long-lived spring bulbs. All parts of the plant are toxic, which makes them completely deer-proof — one of very few guaranteed deer-resistant garden plants. They naturalize beautifully and can persist for decades, even centuries, in old homestead gardens.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 8
Height0.5m
Spread0.1m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Bloom Coloryellow
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, moderately fertile soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Plant bulbs in fall 6" deep; deer and rodent proof; perennial to zone 3 |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Apr — May | Early to mid-spring bloom; toxic to deer and rodents |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Plant in fall; naturalizes and multiplies over decades |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Mar — May | Spring bloom; leave foliage 6 weeks after flowering |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall when soil cools; excellent for naturalizing in lawns |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Late winter/spring bloom; all parts toxic if ingested |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Jun — Jul | Divide crowded clumps after foliage dies back; replant immediately |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in late fall; choose heat-tolerant jonquils and tazetta types |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Jan — Mar | Late winter bloom; paperwhites bloom without chilling |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Pre-chill large-cupped types 6-8 weeks; tazetta types need no chill |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Winter bloom; paperwhites and tazetta types most reliable |
Uses
Medicinal
- Galantamine derived from daffodils is used in Alzheimer's treatment
- Historical topical use for joint pain (professional use only)
Other Uses
- Completely deer-proof and rodent-proof spring bulb
- Naturalizing for decades in meadows and woodlands
- Cut flowers with excellent vase life
Safety Notes
All parts of the plant are poisonous[4, 10, 76], the toxins being found mainly in the bulb[65], but even the flowers are mildly toxic[4]. An extract of the bulb, when applied to open wounds, has caused staggering, numbness of the whole nervous system and paralysis of the heart[4].
