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When to plant Daffodils in Jefferson County, AR

In Jefferson County, plant Daffodils in spring between mid-spring and late spring, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Jefferson County's last frost averages March 19, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between October 12 and October 26 — roughly 20–40 days before the first frost on November 9.

When to Plant Daffodils in Jefferson County, AR

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are among the most dependable and longest-lived of all spring bulbs. Their cheerful yellow and white blooms emerge in early spring, often while frost is still possible, bringing color weeks before most other flowers. Unlike tulips, established clumps naturalize readily — spreading and returning reliably year after year without replanting. Deer and rodents avoid them due to toxic alkaloids in the bulb and sap, making them a low-maintenance choice for naturalized areas, woodland edges, and mixed borders.

Jefferson County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Daffodils during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daffodils root diseases.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Jefferson County, AR (Zone 8b) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Daffodils

Daffodils needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Daffodils Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Daffodils Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, AR

Daffodils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom September 21 Sep 21 – Oct 19
Fall Sowing October 12 Oct 12 – Oct 26

Plant 7" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September Bloom
October Fall Sowing Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

20–40 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

235 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson County

Plant bulbs pointed-end up in fall, 6–8 inches deep and 6–8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Allow 12–16 weeks of cold dormancy for proper vernalization. Do not cut back foliage until it turns yellow (6–8 weeks after bloom) — the dying leaves photosynthesize energy into the bulb for next year. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps every 4–5 years in summer after foliage dies back. In zones 7b–9b, select heat-tolerant cultivars (Jonquilla, Tazetta, and Cyclamineus divisions) that perform better with less chill than large-cupped types. Zones 10+: insufficient winter cold; pre-chilling is required but results inconsistent — not recommended for outdoor culture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daffodils in Jefferson County, AR?

Jefferson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, AR?

Jefferson County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Daffodils in Jefferson County, AR?

In Jefferson County, AR, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, AR for Daffodils?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daffodils grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Daffodils grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.

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Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jefferson County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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