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When to plant Daffodils in Franklin County, MO

Plant Daffodils in Franklin County after April 10; the prime window is mid-spring–late spring. A second sowing from September 15 to September 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daffodils in Franklin County, MO

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.

Franklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,180 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Daffodils during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Franklin County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Daffodils Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MO

Daffodils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom August 11 Aug 11 – Sep 1
Fall Sowing September 15 Sep 15 – Sep 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August Bloom
September Fall Sowing Bloom
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO?

Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, MO?

Franklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Daffodils in Franklin County, MO?

In Franklin County, MO, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Franklin County, MO for Daffodils?

Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daffodils grow in Franklin County's climate?

Yes — Daffodils grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). 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 Franklin County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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