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When to plant Daffodils in Madison County, MS

Aim to plant Daffodils in Madison County on or after mid-spring; the window stays open through late spring. Madison County's 243-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from October 14 to October 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daffodils in Madison County, MS

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.

Madison County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 248 feet, Madison County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Daffodils may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Daffodils, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. 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
Madison County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Daffodils Planting Timeline — Madison County, MS

Daffodils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom September 23 Sep 23 – Oct 21
Fall Sowing October 14 Oct 14 – Oct 28

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

243 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, MS?

Madison County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, MS?

Madison County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 11.

When should I plant Daffodils in Madison County, MS?

In Madison County, MS, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Madison County, MS for Daffodils?

Madison 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 Madison County's climate?

Yes — Daffodils grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 11.

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Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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 Madison County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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