When to plant Daffodils in Lewis County, MO
The best window to plant Daffodils in Lewis County, is mid-spring–late spring, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 15; first frost October 17. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daffodils in Lewis 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.
Lewis County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 945 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Daffodils during the growing season.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Daffodils Planting Timeline — Lewis County, MO
Daffodils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 7" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Lewis County
Growing Tips for Lewis 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
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Daffodils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daffodils in Lewis County, MO?
Lewis County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, MO?
Lewis County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Daffodils in Lewis County, MO?
In Lewis County, MO, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lewis County, MO for Daffodils?
Lewis County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daffodils grow in Lewis County's climate?
Yes — Daffodils grows well in Lewis County's temperate climate. Lewis County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lewis County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.