When to plant Daffodils in Mercer County, MO
Mercer County's spring Daffodils window runs mid-spring through late spring. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from September 2 to September 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daffodils in Mercer 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.
Mercer County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 523 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Daffodils during the growing season.
Mercer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Daffodils Planting Timeline — Mercer County, MO
Daffodils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 7" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Mercer County
Growing Tips for Mercer 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 →
Daffodils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daffodils in Mercer County, MO?
Mercer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Daffodils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mercer County, MO?
Mercer County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Daffodils in Mercer County, MO?
In Mercer County, MO, plant Daffodils after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mercer County, MO for Daffodils?
Mercer County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Daffodils grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daffodils grow in Mercer County's climate?
Yes — Daffodils grows well in Mercer County's temperate climate. Mercer County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.
Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.