Daffodils for Shade Mix

Daffodil bulbs are planted in fall, several weeks before the ground freezes, so they can root in and chill over winter. Unpack them as soon as they arrive and let them breathe.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove bulbs from the packaging and check that they are firm and dry.
• Store cool and dry. If you can't plant immediately, keep them in a dark, well-ventilated spot between 50 and 60 degrees for up to a few weeks.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose part sun to dappled shade with soil that drains well. Under deciduous trees is ideal since the bulbs get spring sun before the canopy fills in.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the bed 8 to 10 inches deep and mix in compost if the soil is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 5 to 6 inches deep, pointed end up, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart.
4. Plant in drifts. Group bulbs in clusters of 10 or more for the most natural, full look.
5. Water in. Backfill, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly once to settle everything.
6. Mulch lightly. Add 2 inches of mulch to moderate soil temperature over winter.

Watering

• Fall and spring. Keep soil lightly moist while roots and foliage are active.
• After bloom. Reduce watering as leaves yellow. Dormant bulbs prefer dry soil and rot in soggy ground.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Each spring. Feed once as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flowers.

After Bloom Care

• Deadhead spent flowers. Snip off faded blooms so energy goes back to the bulb.
• Leave the foliage. Let leaves die back naturally for at least 6 weeks before cutting them down.
• Divide when crowded. Every 4 to 5 years, lift and separate clumps in early summer if flowering thins out.

Container Growing

• Use deep pots. Choose containers at least 10 inches deep with drainage holes and quality potting mix.
• Give them a chill. Potted bulbs still need a cold period, so overwinter pots in an unheated garage or sheltered spot.

How much shade can these daffodils actually take?

They perform in full sun through partial or dappled shade. Aim for at least 3 to 4 hours of direct or filtered spring sun. Deep, all-day shade under evergreens is too dark for reliable blooming.

When should I plant the bulbs?

Plant in fall, roughly 4 to 6 weeks before your ground freezes. In cold zones that usually means September through October, and in zones 7 to 8 it can be November or even early December.

Are daffodils safe around pets?

No. All parts of the daffodil, especially the bulb, contain compounds that are toxic if eaten by dogs, cats, or livestock. Plant where curious pets can't dig them up.

Will deer or squirrels eat them?

Daffodils are one of the most reliably critter-resistant bulbs. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and voles typically avoid them because of their bitter, toxic sap.

Do I need to dig the bulbs up for winter?

No. In zones 3 through 8 they are fully hardy and should stay in the ground. They actually need the winter chill to bloom. Just add a couple inches of mulch the first year.

What size bulbs are included?

You receive a 100-count pack of 12 to 14 cm bulbs, a landscape-grade size that blooms the first spring after fall planting.