When to plant Daffodils in Oxford County County,
Oxford County County gardeners should plant Daffodils between mid-spring and late spring in spring. With Oxford County County's Zone 5a climate (last frost May 16), Daffodils needs 40 days to mature — plant by August 20 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 18 to September 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daffodils in Oxford County, ME
Oxford County, Maine gardeners: here's your June plan
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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.
Oxford County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 186 feet, Oxford County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daffodils to ensure they mature before fall.
Oxford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Daffodils Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Oxford County
How your county's soil matches Daffodils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Daffodils prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Oxford County is excellent for Daffodils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Daffodils prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Daffodils.
How to Plant Daffodils
Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Daffodils
Sow every 2.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
Daffodils Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Daffodils
Daffodils needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Daffodils Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oxford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daffodils Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Daffodils Planting Timeline — Oxford County, ME
Daffodils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | July 7 | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
Plant 7" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
20–40 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Oxford County
Growing Tips for Daffodils in Oxford County
Direct sow Daffodils outdoors after May 16 in Oxford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 136.0-day season in Oxford County allows multiple plantings of Daffodils. Sow every 10.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Daffodils in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Daffodils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daffodils in Oxford County, ME?
Oxford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oxford County, ME?
Oxford County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Daffodils in Oxford County County, ?
In Oxford County County, , plant Daffodils after the last frost (around May 16) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Oxford County County, for Daffodils?
Oxford County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daffodils grow in Oxford County County's climate?
Yes — Daffodils grows well in Oxford County County's temperate climate. Oxford County County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 16 and first frost around September 29.
Your Oxford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Oxford County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.