Blog

When to plant Daffodils in Davis County County,

Plant Daffodils in Davis County County from mid-spring to late spring in spring. Davis County County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 19 and first frost on October 16. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daffodils in Davis County, IA

Davis County, Iowa Zone 5b June

June in the garden — Davis County, Iowa

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Davis County, Iowa.

Avg. last frost April 19
Avg. first frost October 16
Soil temp (4") 71°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Daffodils during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Davis County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Daffodils Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA

Daffodils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom July 24 Jul 24 – Aug 14
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Fall Sowing
October
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Davis County

Growing Tips for Davis 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 Davis County, IA?

Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Davis County, IA?

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Daffodils in Davis County County, ?

In Davis County County, , plant Daffodils after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Davis County County, for Daffodils?

Davis County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daffodils grow in Davis County County's climate?

Yes — Daffodils grows well in Davis County County's temperate climate. Davis County County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Davis County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.