
OREGON BULB FARMS, SANDY, OREGON 7 

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 varieties 
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. 
Cru Or DARPEODIESSIN POTS ORVBOXES 
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 60 degrees is best at first. Do not 
give any bottom heat. Later when the flower buds are well advanced the temperature 
may be increased to not more than 65 degrees. 
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. 
