Autumn Daffodil
Sternbergia lutea
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
6 inches
Width
4 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Sternbergia lutea, commonly known as Autumn Daffodil, is a bulbous perennial with strap-like leaves and vibrant yellow, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late autumn, creating a striking display. This species is notable for its early flowering period in autumn, providing cheerful color when many other plants have finished blooming, and it thrives in well-drained soils with minimal maintenance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 3-4 inches deep in well-draining soil
- Plant in full sun for best flowering
- Water sparingly during dormancy, more during growing season
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and regulate temperature
- Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming
- Divide bulbs every 3-4 years in late summer
Pro Tip
Plant bulbs in well-drained soil with good sunlight for vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Ensure good drainage to prevent rot
Don't
- Overwater during dormancy ❌
- Plant too deep ❌
- Ignore weeds around bulbs ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Autumn Daffodil questions
What zones can Autumn Daffodil grow in?
Autumn Daffodil is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Autumn Daffodil deer resistant?
Yes — Autumn Daffodil is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Autumn Daffodil bloom?
Autumn Daffodil typically blooms in early fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Autumn Daffodil need full sun?
Autumn Daffodil does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Autumn Daffodil drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Autumn Daffodil handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
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Grow Autumn Daffodil with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
