September is the perfect time to think ahead, specifically, about daffodils...
While they’re a classic symbol of spring, with the right selection and planning, you can enjoy daffodil blooms from December all the way to May. That’s six months of cheerful colour, brightening your garden through winter into late spring.
For the best results, plant your daffodil bulbs from September to November, giving them extra time to develop strong roots and deliver a spectacular display. You can plant as late as January, as long as the ground isn’t frozen, but late planting may lead to fewer blooms.
We’ve handpicked the perfect varieties to keep your garden bursting with colour for six whole months – check out the list below to start planning!
Start early with indoor blooms
Early varieties can be grown in pots and forced indoors to flower as early as December.
- Narcissus papyraceus – clusters of strongly-scented, pure white flowers, perfect for indoor forcing
- Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ – golden yellow blooms, often flowering outdoors in January
February to March – The Classic Spring Kick-Off
As winter softens, early outdoor bloomers take the stage.
- Narcissus ‘February Gold’ – an early flowering daffodil, bearing bright yellow blooms by mid-February in warm winters
- Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’ – blooms with large lemon-yellow cup (which fades to pale cream as the flower matures) sets against a clear white outer petals in early spring
March to April – Peak Daffodil Season
This is daffodil prime time, choose mid-season cultivars to fill the borders.
- Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ – a beloved miniature, ideal for pots and edging
- Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’ – creamy-white double flowers with a central ruff of orange-yellow segments
April to May – Stretch the Show
Late-season daffodils extend your display well into May with elegance and contrast.
- Narcissus ‘Moonlight Sensation’ – Wonderfully scented, light yellow petals with up to six flowers to each stem
- Narcissus ‘Starlight Sensation’ – scented and pure white flowers with narrow, slightly reflexed outer petals
- Narcissus ‘White Lion’ – elegant double white flowers adorned with layers of cream petals and delicate pale yellow centres
Tips for Success
- Plant in September to early November while soil is still warm
- Choose a sunny, well-drained spot
- Use pots for early forcing or to highlight favourites near doorways and paths
- Group bulbs in clusters for natural impact and avoid neat rows
Need help bringing your garden vision to life?
With so many cultivars to choose from, it can be tricky to stagger bloom times. Our team is happy to help you design a planting plan for continuous daffodil colour, whether you’re working with borders, pots, or naturalised drifts.
