Oregon Bulb Farms, Inc. 5 
Outdoor Culture of Daffodils. 
Daffodils thrive in any good garden soil, preferably deep well-drained loam. Deep 
preparation of the soil is necessary, and old rotted manure or compost may be worked 
in 16 or 18 inches below the surface, so as not to come in direct contact with the 
bulbs. Fresh manure should never be used. 
Plant in the early fall, especially Poeticus types. The more vigorous, larger vari¬ 
eties may be planted as late as December, but early planting is best. 
In medium soils, cover the bulbs about twice their depth, and a little deeper in 
the lighter soils. The average for most sorts is three to four inches from the top of 
the bulb. Set the bulbs at a uniform depth, otherwise they may flower irregularly. 
Naturalizing. 
Daffodils planted in clusters in the foreground of shrubbery, or sown broadcast 
through woodlands, along hillsides, in meadows or lawns, and planted where they 
fall, give a most pleasing natural effect. They will increase in beauty and number 
without special care and become permanently established. 
In heavy soils the most vigorous varieties should be used. More pleasing effects 
result from grouping the various types, such as all trumpet types, all Poeticus types, 
etc. Special mixtures of the different groups are listed on page 8. 
Culture of Daffodils in Pots or Boxes. 
Daffodils should be potted in September or October in good loamy soil, adding a 
little sand or leaf mould and a small amount of bone flour. (About two pounds to 
the bushel of soil.) 
The old pots must be washed thoroughly and allowed to dry before using. New 
pots should be soaked. Provide drainage by placing pieces of charcoal or fragments 
of pots over the drainage hole. A little ground peat in the bottom regulates drainage, 
retaining moisture. 
After ten or twelve weeks they may be removed indoors for flowering. Select the 
earliest varieties first, thus extending the flowering season. 
Do not bring them into a warm temperature. 50 to 6o° is best at first. Do not 
give any bottom heat. Later when the flower buds are well advanced the tempera¬ 
ture may be increased to not more than 65°. 
When the pots are first brought to the light, the tender shoots may be covered 
for a day or two with an inverted flower pot to prevent injury from light or drafts. 
A little weak liquid manure once a week, until buds burst, will hasten the flowers 
after growth has started. 
Always have plenty of light and air. 
NOTE: Suggestions for growing miniature narcissi are given under their various 
classes. 
