How to Grow Daffodils in Pots!

Daffodils are a happy spring favourite that  tend to pop up in the landscape when you least expect them. Just when winter seems to go on forever, these bright beauties dot our yards with the promise of spring. But what if you want to bring that beauty inside?  Daffodils grow beautifully in containers allowing you to choose exactly where you want these sunny flowers to grow. Check out these simple tips on how to grow daffodils in pots:

First, A Little About Daffodils

The daffodil (Narcissus) is native to Europe and North Africa. When planted outdoors, they stand up to hot and cold conditions and, increasing in number each year and they require little care. Many people use the names Daffodils and Jonquils interchangeably.  They have the same basic flower structure: Each flower has a perianth (most folks think of these as petals) that surround  a central corona (known as the trump).  They come in loads of colours, sizes and flower shapes. While famous as a bright yellow version, there are also white, pink, cream, orange and apricot varieties as well.  It should be noted that all parts of the daffodil are toxic to pets.

Timing

Timing is the only tricky part about how to grow daffodils in pots. You have to decide when you’d like to have blooms, then count backwards about 3 months. That’s when you’ll need to plant. 

The Best Containers for Daffodils

Because their roots will need plenty of room, choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and about the same in diameter. Since they begin as bulbs, you will need excellent drainage or your bulbs will rot from too much water.  Make sure your pot has plenty of holes in the bottom! This contemporary terra cotta planter from Amazon is a beauty.

Soil & How to Plant

Choose a quality potting mix like Miracle Grow to fill your container. Fill your container about 3/4 full, then place bulbs (pointy ends facing up) as desired, being careful to ensure they aren’t touching each other. Cover the bulbs with more potting soil and water well. After you’ve planted your bulbs, move the container to a dark and cool spot (like a basement or garage) where the temperature remains between 40-45 degrees F at all times. Leave the pot there for about 12ish weeks. Do check on them periodically to make sure the soil hasn’t gotten dry. Water if needed. 

What’s Next?

After the months of cold stratification are over, move the container to a sunny, but cool spot, continuing to water as needed. Once leaves emerge move your pot into direct sunlight. Water when the soil feels dry. When the blooms have faded you can snip them off, but allow the foliage wither. This will ensure the bulbs will be ready to grow again next season. Daffodils planted in pot can bloom for about 3 years in a row! 

Varieties to Consider

Now that you know how to grow daffodils in pots, consider some of the loveliest varieties! A favourite mini daffodil is the Golden Echo Narcissus from Holland Bulbs.The white petals are highlighted by a bright yellow cup and are fragrant and grow vigorously in early spring. Mount Hood Daffodils from Breck’s are the possibly the finest all-white, giant trumpet daffodil on the market. Large blooms open a pale primrose yellow, then quickly become snowy white. The big boys have strong stems and flaring trumpets. Dutch Master (also known as King Alfred) is a favourite in North America: classic looks in bright yellow. And last but not least, Replete from Eden brothers is boasts a unique multiple-petalled bloom of ivory white petals with frilly pink and salmon centers. The Replete variety is fragrant and does beautifully as a cut flower as well, lasting nearly two weeks in bouquets.