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When to Plant Daffodils in Georgia

Deer-proof, squirrel-proof, and virtually indestructible. Daffodils naturalize and multiply, coming back bigger each year.

The Short Answer

Daffodils grow well in north Georgia's mountains and reasonably in the Piedmont. Historic daffodil plantings throughout Georgia demonstrate decades-long viability — old homesites and cemeteries often have daffodil colonies that have bloomed for 50+ years.

Georgia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Georgia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Daffodils Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Daffodils in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: plant October-November. Piedmont: plant November. South Georgia: marginal — choose warm-climate adapted types. Georgia's mild winters may not provide maximum chilling, but most daffodils bloom adequately. Plant slightly deeper (7-8 inches) in the Piedmont for cooler soil temperatures.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Carlton and Ice Follies for Piedmont reliability. Jonquilla and Tazetta types for south Georgia. King Alfred for the mountains. Georgia's historic daffodil plantings are often unnamed varieties that have proven their adaptation over decades.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Insufficient chill in south Georgia. Summer heat weakens bulbs over time in the Piedmont. Bulb flies. Otherwise the most reliable spring bulb for Georgia.

Growing Tips

Let foliage die back naturally after blooming — it feeds next year's flowers. Plant at 3x the bulb's height deep.

Companion Planting

Plant daffodils alongside these companions for better growth:

Tulips Hyacinths Grape Hyacinths

The Bottom Line

Daffodils can be grown successfully in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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