Image: AI generated
Daffodil Plant Care
Narcissus poeticus L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This dainty flower with its delicate white petals and a yellow cup-like center is native to the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to Narcissus poeticus for its intoxicating fragrance and its historical significance in art and literature, making it a coveted addition to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Daffodil?
Water Daffodil every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Daffodil Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Daffodil?
Daffodil (Narcissus poeticus) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Narcissus genus. Daffodil is native to Europe, North Africa. Daffodil is also known as Poet's daffodil, Pheasant's Eye.
Daffodil displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Daffodil produces showy, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, white, and orange.
How Often Should You Water a Daffodil?
Narcissus poeticus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Daffodil Need?
Daffodil thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Daffodil Prefer?
Narcissus poeticus grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Daffodil prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Daffodil?
Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Daffodil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Daffodil?
Feed Daffodil every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Daffodil?
Repot every 2-3 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Daffodil?
Daffodil can be propagated through division of offsets, bulb scales, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jonquil plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Daffodil Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Narcissus species (which includes Daffodil). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Daffodil?
Daffodil is susceptible to aphids, narcissus bulb fly, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Daffodil Need?
Daffodil grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3 – 8. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Daffodil is native to Europe, North Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3 – 8
Keep exploring plants
Daffodil is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Narcissus genus — compare its care with other Narcissus species on PlantoScan.
Narcissus is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Daffodil thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Narcissus poeticus L., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 289 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Narcissus species (which includes Daffodil) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3 – 8, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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