The rains have started in California, which means it’s time to plant daffodils. The wet soil makes digging holes easy and perfect for planting clumps of bulbs. I plant mine in groups of five, as they are large double or triple bulbs that create a beautiful display.

The classic King Alfred daffodil has been replaced by the “Dutch Master.” Other yellow trumpet varieties come in both larger and smaller sizes. “February Gold,” a smaller variety, blooms early in February as its name suggests. “Unsurpassable,” a larger yellow trumpet daffodil, blooms later and makes a bold statement. “Trevithian” is a hardy jonquil type that looks quite lovely. “Yellow Cheerfulness” blooms later with multiple flowers per stem, while the new hybrid “Golden Dawn” grows vigorously and is well-suited to California.

For white daffodils, “Mount Hood” and “Thalia” are popular choices, along with the Paper White varieties. “Cheerfulness” has white blooms with multiple flowers per stem, similar to its yellow counterpart. “Ice Follies” starts with white petals and a yellow trumpet that fades to ivory over time.

If you like interesting color combinations, “Salome” offers white petals with a peach trumpet. “Scarlet O’Hara” features yellow petals and an orange trumpet. “Flower Record” is another yellow and orange variety. Smaller options include “Jet Fire,” which looks like a smaller version of “Scarlet O’Hara,” and “Tete a Tete,” a charming daffodil with a small bright yellow trumpet.

Left: Tete a tete Right: Yellow Cheerfulness

Daffodils are not only beautiful but also easy to care for once planted. They require little maintenance and will naturalize, returning year after year with even more blooms. Planting them in the fall ensures vibrant color in the spring, and with so many varieties to choose from, you can create a diverse and stunning garden display. Whether you prefer bold yellows, soft whites, or unique combinations of colors, there’s a daffodil for every spot in your garden. Now is the perfect time to get your bulbs in the ground and look forward to a cheerful spring bloom!