The bloom time of daffodils varies depending upon the type of daffodil in question and its location.
Some varieties, in some locations, may bloom off and on for half the year. Other types and settings may provide only about 6 weeks of blooms.
In this article, we discuss how long daffodils bloom.
How Can You Get The Longest Bloom Time From Daffodils?
For the longest and most exciting bloom time, create a varied selection of bulbs from each of the 13 different daffodil divisions.
Each group consists of a wide variety of colorful, interesting selections. [source]
Some types of daffodils, such as Dutch Master, are early bloomers. These are the ones you’ll see braving the last of the snow toward the end of January.
Typically, these early bloomers will produce flowers about a month after they emerge from their long winter nap.
They will continue to bloom for a month to 6 weeks after, and if you’ve planted some later season bloomers, you can continue to have good daffodil blooms for mid-spring.
With the right combination of daffodil bulbs, good care, and a suitable climate, you may be able to have daffodils blooming from February through May in northern climates.
Daffodils may begin blooming in December and persist through June in some southern climates.
What Are Some Good Daffodil Combinations For Long Bloom Time?
In addition to Dutch Master, Ice Follies and February Gold are good early bloomers in zones 3-8.
Although Tete a Tete is an early bloomer in warmer zones, it may bloom later in the spring in freezing climates.
Other mid-season choices include the following:
- Trevithian
- Jack Snipe
One of the best late-blooming varieties is Salome, which may produce flowers as late as May in northern climates.
How Long Will Daffodil Blooms Last As Cut Flowers?
The length of time your cut daffodils last depends on your cutting and preparation technique.
It’s a good idea to go into the garden with a container of lukewarm water to get your daffodils right into the water as soon as you cut them.
Be sure to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle because this will facilitate their being able to take up water.
If you are cutting several different types of flowers, keep the daffodils separate in their water container. This is because their sap can actually cause other cut flowers to wilt and die quickly.
For this reason, after you have cut your daffodils, allow them to stand in freshwater for at least half an hour before mixing them into a bouquet. This will allow quite a bit of the sap to wash out before they contact other flowers.
How Can You Extend The Life Of Cut Daffodils?
Here are the tips to follow:
- Always use a clean vase and lukewarm water to give your cut daffodils and other cut flowers the longest possible bloom time.
- Fill the vase about two-thirds full.
- Cut away any foliage that will be below the waterline.
- Examine your flowers for any dead petals and foliage that should be removed.
- Keep your cut flower arrangement out of direct sunlight and drafts.
- Also, avoid putting your flowers near a bowl of fruit because the “off-gassing“ of the fruit will cause the flowers to decay more rapidly.
- Change the water every other day.
- If you notice that the ends of the stems are starting to decay, trim away the mushy part (at a 45-degree angle).
When you initially arrange and water your bouquet, and every time you change the water, add a commercially prepared flower food or one of your own making.
Homemade Cut Flower Food
For every quart of water used, you can add:
- 2 tsp lime or lemon juice
- 1 tsp bleach
- 1 tsp sugar
You may also wish to put your flower arrangement in the refrigerator each night when you go to bed. This will help the flowers last longer.
Cut daffodils and other flowers can last nearly 2 weeks with proper care.
Will Daffodils Rebloom If You Cut Them For Flower Arrangements?
Sadly, each daffodil plant only blooms once a year, so they will not return that year if you cut the flowers.
They will bloom the next year, though, as long as you remember to leave the foliage in place until it has withered and died completely.
Unfortunately, cutting the foliage away steals energy from the bulbs and may prevent the plant from blooming during the next growing season.
What Is The Best Climate For Daffodils?
For the longest bloom time, the best climate is one that offers cold (35° to 48° degrees Fahrenheit) winters. The dormant time should be between 3 and 4 months.
Daffodils can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, but they’ll do best below zone 7.
In areas that receive a hard freeze, it is essential to mulch deeply in the late fall to protect the bulbs through the winter.
If you live in USDA hardiness zone 8 or above, you may need to do the following:
- Dig up your bulbs after their foliage has died back.
- Dry them, and put them in cold storage for 3 or 4 months.
- You can then replant them in time for the growing and blooming season.
If you prefer not to go to all this trouble, you can plant native daffodils, such as Minnow, which thrive easily in hardiness zones 5 to 9. [source]