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When to plant Daffodils in Goodhue County, MN

Goodhue County gardeners should plant Daffodils between mid-spring and late spring in spring. With Goodhue County's Zone 4b climate (last frost April 27), Daffodils needs 20–40 days to mature — plant by August 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 27 to September 10 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daffodils in Goodhue County, MN

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.

Goodhue County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,136 feet, Goodhue County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daffodils to ensure they mature before fall.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Goodhue County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Goodhue County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.7

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Daffodils Planting Timeline — Goodhue County, MN

Daffodils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom July 9 Jul 9 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July Bloom
August Fall Sowing 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 4b

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Goodhue County

Growing Tips for Goodhue 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 Goodhue County, MN?

Goodhue County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Goodhue County, MN?

Goodhue County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 8.

When should I plant Daffodils in Goodhue County, MN?

In Goodhue County, MN, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Goodhue County, MN for Daffodils?

Goodhue County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daffodils grow in Goodhue County's climate?

Yes — Daffodils grows well in Goodhue County's temperate climate. Goodhue County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 8.

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Your Goodhue County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Goodhue County (Zone 4b). 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 Goodhue County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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