Let’s face it: watering is one of those essential gardening chores that can actually be a bit tricky to get right. Daffodils (or Narcissus, if you want to get fancy) are particularly picky about their hydration. But if you nail their watering schedule, they’ll reward you with those stunning, cheerful blooms we all love. Not sure how much or how often to water? Don’t worry—I’ve put together this guide to help you keep your daffodils happy and hydrated.
Differences Between Garden and Potted Daffodils
Daffodils are big fans of moist soil. If you have loamy soil in your garden, you’re in luck—it’s perfect for these flowers because it holds onto moisture for a long time. Daffodils planted in the ground usually don’t need much extra help from you unless you’re dealing with a heatwave or a dry spell. During those scorching summer days, you might even need to grab the watering can a couple of times a day. The golden rule? Never let the soil dry out completely.
Potted daffodils are a different story. Since pots have limited soil, they can’t store much water. You’ll need to check on your container plants much more frequently and water them on a regular basis.
Pro Tips for Watering Your Daffodils
Here are my top tips for getting your watering routine just right:
Combine Watering and Fertilizing
Daffodils are thirsty, but they’re also hungry for nutrients! They really pull a lot from the soil during their growing phase. To give them a head start, try mixing some fertilizer into your watering can about a month before they’re expected to bloom.
Pro Tip: For daffodils in the garden, mixing some compost into the soil works wonders. For potted daffodils, I recommend a balanced liquid fertilizer—it’s super easy to mix right into your water.
Choose the Right Water
Daffodils prefer “soft” water (low in lime/calcium). If you can, collect rainwater in a barrel—it’s the best thing for your plants. If you have to use tap water and live in an area with hard water, you might want to let it sit out or boil and cool it first to reduce the mineral content.
Watch the Temperature
In the ground, daffodils are pretty low-maintenance. You really only need to step in when the mercury rises and the soil starts looking parched. Always adjust your watering frequency based on the weather outside.
Don’t Overdo It
While you never want the soil to dry out completely, you also don’t want your daffodils sitting in a puddle. Waterlogging is a death sentence for the bulbs. Make sure your soil is well-draining, and if you’re planting in pots, ensure there are plenty of drainage holes.
Pro Tip: Daffodils love loamy soil, but because it’s so dense, it can sometimes trap too much water. Adding a bit of drainage material (like grit or perlite) can help keep things moving.
