Bulb

When to Plant Daffodils in Virginia

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

The Short Answer

Daffodils are Virginia's signature spring bulb — the state's moderate winters provide adequate chilling, and historic daffodil plantings throughout the Piedmont and mountains have persisted for generations. The annual Garden Club of Virginia daffodil shows are a state tradition.

Virginia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Daffodils Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Daffodils in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant October through November statewide. Virginia's climate supports daffodils from mountains to coast. In the Tidewater, choose varieties with lower chill requirements. Let foliage die back naturally. Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends daffodils as the best long-term spring bulb.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Carlton, Ice Follies, King Alfred. Jonquilla types for the Tidewater. Species daffodils for naturalizing.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Narcissus bulb fly occasionally. Otherwise the most reliable spring bulb in Virginia.

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 Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. 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.

Related Guides

Daffodils Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia Daffodils in Alabama Alabama planting dates Daffodils in Alaska Alaska planting dates Daffodils in Arizona Arizona planting dates Daffodils in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
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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