Daffodils on the balcony: tips and tricks for planting and care

Hyacinths, tulips, snowdrops - there are many early bloomers, but no plant is as symbolic of spring as the daffodil. While the frosty weather still prevents many types of flowers from blooming in March and April, the daffodil is already setting its wonderful, colourful accents in the garden and on the balcony. It is considered to be easy to care for and modest - if you only pay attention to a few things, you will soon be able to enjoy the splendor of its flowers. We not only give you the most important tips for planting and caring for the daffodil, we also show you an uncomplicated alternative for your balcony box!

The daffodil - the classic among spring flowers

Daffodils belong to the amaryllis family and originate in southern Europe, more precisely on the Iberian Peninsula. To this day, the distribution focus of the daffodil is in north-west Africa and south-west Europe. Around 24,000 species are known worldwide due to crossbreeding and breeding. In order to classify them better, they are divided into eleven main groups, with the most well-known type of daffodil being the Easter daffodil. It is so widespread that the terms daffodil and Easter daffodil are often used interchangeably. From a botanical point of view, however, this is not correct, because the Easter daffodil belongs to the group of trumpet daffodils. Note: All Easter daffodils are daffodils, but not all daffodils are Easter daffodils.

To our daffodil creation

Where should I place daffodils on my balcony?

Daffodils are modest and easy to care for. The most important thing for vigorous growth is, above all, lots of sun. The more sun they get, the more beautiful and impressive the flowers become. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily have to be the south-facing balcony with all-day sunshine; the daffodils also feel comfortable in partial shade.

In addition, the daffodil is quite sensitive to waterlogging. This can be avoided by finding a sheltered spot on the balcony – for example under a ledge. If this is not structurally possible or not an option for other reasons, experts advise equipping the balcony box with a drainage system so that excess water can run off. Important: All parts of the daffodil are poisonous. It should therefore be placed out of the reach of pets and children.

How do I plant daffodils on my balcony?

If you want to grow your own daffodils from outdoor bulbs, you should start in September. If you buy the flower bulbs new, you should definitely pay attention to their quality. They must be dry, pressure-resistant, and free of mould, and no sprouting should be visible. Bury the daffodil bulbs about three to six inches deep in a tub or pot to prevent winter frost damage, with the tip of the bulb pointing upwards. Always make sure that the planter for the daffodils is large enough and offers enough space for the bulbs. Since balcony boxes are often not deep enough, it is very likely that the bulbs could freeze before they sprout.

If you prefer to keep the daffodils in a flower box, then it is better not to grow them yourself and use young plants from the garden center or a nursery right at the beginning of spring. When planting your balcony flowers, no special daffodil soil is necessary. The daffodil thrives wonderfully in conventional potting soil. However, it is important that the soil is rich in nutrients and placed loosely around the daffodils. To extend the flowering period, gardening experts recommend supporting the daffodils with a complete fertilizer about a month before they bloom. This can either be added to the irrigation water as a liquid fertilizer or to the soil as sticks.

How do I care for my daffodils on the balcony?

As we have already mentioned, daffodils are quite easy to care for. You should always make sure that they are watered properly. Since daffodils grow best in full sun exposure, it is important that they are always supplied with sufficient water. The soil must never dry out - but you should avoid possible waterlogging as much as possible. It is advisable to water more frequently and more sparingly than extensively all at once. To be on the safe side, you can use flower boxes with drainage. When summer comes and the daffodils on the balcony slowly wither, you can get them ready for summer.

After you have removed the withered leaves, you should refrain from further watering, but fertilize again. You can then remove the bulb from the soil and store it in a dry, cool place so it doesn't rot. However, if you don't need the pot, you can oversummer your daffodils in the ground until you plant them again in the fall. If you keep your daffodils in the balcony box, you don't necessarily have to make them summer-proof, you can also fall back on purchased young plants next spring.

Seasonal balcony flowers from The Plant Box

You have now also got the desire to beautify your balcony with blooming daffodils, but think you lack the know-how and the green thumb? Then take a look at the balcony plants from The Plant Box! We deliver imaginative flower and plant creations (refills) directly to your home - arranged with love and tailored to the different seasons. All you have to do is place the creation in your balcony box, and you can enjoy beautiful balcony flowers. Just let yourself be inspired in our shop. You can find the daffodil in the Wild Spring Box, among other places!

The benefits of The Plant Box

• • Seasonally arranged flower boxes - sustainable and regional!
  • Uncomplicated delivery directly to your home
  • Large selection of different refills
  • Variety of accessories: from the watering can to the balcony box made from recycled vegetable oils

to our creations