Carlton Daffodil

Daffodil bulbs are planted in fall, several weeks before the ground freezes, so they can root in before winter. Unpack your bulbs as soon as they arrive and store them in a cool, dry, dark spot until planting day.

Planting

1. Pick a spot. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains freely; avoid low areas where water sits after rain.
2. Prep the soil. Loosen the top 10-12 inches and mix in compost to improve drainage and structure.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 6 inches deep, pointed end up, flat root plate down.
4. Space them out. Allow 4-6 inches between bulbs, or cluster 7-15 bulbs together for a fuller drift.
5. Water in. Backfill, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly to settle the bulbs and trigger rooting.
6. Mulch. Add 2 inches of shredded bark or leaf mulch to moderate soil temperature over winter.

Watering

• Fall and spring. Keep soil lightly moist while roots and shoots are active, about an inch of water per week including rainfall.
• After bloom. Taper off watering as foliage yellows; dormant summer bulbs prefer dry soil.
• Containers. Potted bulbs dry out faster, so check weekly and water when the top inch feels dry.

Feeding

• At planting. Work a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Each spring. Scatter bulb food around emerging shoots and water it in to fuel next year's flowers.

After Bloom Care

• Deadhead only. Snip spent flowers to stop seed formation, but leave every leaf in place.
• Let foliage ripen. Allow leaves to yellow naturally for about 6 weeks; this recharges the bulb for next spring.
• Divide when crowded. Every 4-5 years, lift clumps after foliage dies back, separate the bulbs, and replant in fall.

When should I plant Carlton daffodil bulbs?

Plant in fall, roughly 4-6 weeks before your ground freezes. In most northern zones that means September to October; in warmer zones 8-9, November into early December works well.

Are daffodils deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes. All parts of daffodil bulbs and foliage contain compounds animals dislike, so deer, rabbits, voles, and squirrels typically leave them alone.

Are these bulbs toxic to pets?

Yes, daffodil bulbs, leaves, and flowers are toxic if eaten by dogs, cats, or people. Plant them where pets do not dig and store unplanted bulbs out of reach.

Will Carlton daffodils come back every year?

They will. Carlton is a strong naturalizer that multiplies into larger clumps over time in zones 3-9, as long as you let the foliage die back naturally each spring.

Can I grow them in pots or force them indoors?

Yes. Plant bulbs in a well-draining container, give them 12-14 weeks of cold at 35-45 degrees, then bring them into a bright, cool room to bloom indoors.

What size bulbs will I receive?

You get 15 garden-size bulbs measuring 12/14 cm, shipped dormant and ready to plant in fall.