Early-flowering daffodils to grow

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 17 September 2018 at 8:46 am

On the hunt for winter-flowering daffodils? Look no further than our pick of early-flowering varieties.

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When do daffodils bloom?

Daffodil season starts in late winter. Depending on the variety and where you live in the UK, daffodils, or narcissi, can flower as early as January but typically around March, peaking by April. If you love daffodils and want to enjoy daffodil flowers for as long as possible, it's a good idea to plant some early-flowering varieties to provide you with daffodil blooms before other varieties start to grow.

For the earliest display of daffodils, plant bulbs in a south-facing, sheltered spot. This will provide them with that extra bit of warmth to encourage them to bloom early.

Late-flowering daffodils to grow
When to plant daffodils in pots
The secret to better daffodil displays, according to an expert

Boost the winter colour in your garden with this beautiful selection of early-flowering daffodils.

Daffodil 'February Gold'

Narcissus 'February Gold'

Narcissus 'February Gold'

'February Gold' is perhaps the most well known of the early-flowering daffodils, and is a medium-sized variety with rich yellow blooms. Plant in full sun for the best chance of early blooms.

Height x spread: 30cm x 10cm.

Daffodil 'Ice Follies'

Narcissus 'Ice Follies'

Narcissus 'Ice Follies'

'Ice Follies' is a cheerful, bi-coloured variety with flattened, buttery yellow cups set against cream petals. Perfect for planting with muscari and spring crocuses.

H x S: 40cm x 15cm.

Daffodil 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'

This lovely trumpet daffodil can flower as early as January, so is ideal if you're looking for winter colour. Looks fabulous planted with snowdrops and crocuses.

H x S: 40cm x 20cm.

Daffodil 'Early Bride'

Narcissus 'Early Bride'

As the name suggests, 'Early Bride' appears in March, sometimes earlier, displaying its golden yellow cups and ivory-white petals.

H x S: 50cm x 20cm.

Daffodil 'Tête-à-tête'

Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'

Arguably the most popular dwarf daffodil, 'Tête-à-tête' grows to just 15cm high, but packs a punch with a profusion of mid-yellow flowers. Try growing with wood anemones and scillas.

H x S: 15cm x 10cm.

Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle'

Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle'

'Rip van Winkle' is a rather flamboyant dwarf cultivar with cut petals giving the flowers a starry appearance. Provides fabulous cut flowers and is great for growing in pots.

H x S: 15cm x 8cm.

Post-flowering care

Daffodils can be deadheaded, which prevents energy being spent on seed production, but don't cut back the foliage until it's withered and brown. To produce more daffodils, you can carefully lift clumps and remove some of the bulbs to plant elsewhere.

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