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How to Grow Daffodil 'King Alfred'

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Daffodil 'King Alfred'

Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'King Alfred'

flower

King Alfred is a classic large-cupped daffodil cultivar known for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. This iconic variety features a sturdy stem and impressive trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by six petals, making it a favorite for gardens and cut flower arrangements. It typically stands 16-18 inches tall and is one of the most recognizable daffodil varieties worldwide.

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Example Daffodil 'King Alfred' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Daffodil 'King Alfred'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Daffodil 'King Alfred' blooms

    Around Aug 15

    ≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Daffodil 'King Alfred' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
💧
Water: Moderate moisture during growing season; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow soil to dry between waterings after flowering. Requires good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
📏
Spacing: 6 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 120-150 days from planting (fall planting, spring bloom)
🌱
Planting depth: 6-8 inches deep (measure from base of bulb to soil surface)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter content
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Bone meal or bulb fertilizer at planting

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8; performs best in cooler climates with reliable winter chilling

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy & Root Development

8-12 weeks

Bulbs are planted in fall and develop roots over winter while remaining dormant underground.

Plant in October-November in cold climates, up to December in warmer zones. Ensure proper drainage and mulch lightly in very cold areas. Keep soil cool and moist but not waterlogged.

2

Emergence & Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Green shoots push through soil in early spring as temperatures warm; foliage develops rapidly.

Remove mulch as growth emerges. No fertilizing needed yet. Water if spring is dry. Watch for slugs and snails on emerging shoots.

3

Budding & Flowering

2-4 weeks

Flower buds form and elongate on sturdy stems; large golden trumpet flowers open fully over 1-2 weeks.

Apply balanced bulb fertilizer when buds appear. Stake tall varieties if in windy locations. Deadhead spent flowers but leave stems and foliage intact. Protect from late frosts.

4

Post-Bloom & Foliage Maturation

6-8 weeks

Flowers fade and fall; foliage remains green and continues photosynthesis, replenishing bulb reserves for next year.

Do NOT cut back foliage until it yellows naturally (6-8 weeks after bloom). Continue watering. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer to support bulb regeneration.

5

Senescence & Dormancy

2-3 months

Foliage dies back completely; bulb enters dormancy in summer, storing energy for next season.

Stop watering once foliage dies. If growing in containers, allow soil to dry completely. Bulbs can remain in ground or be lifted and stored in cool, dry place.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tulips Hyacinths Grape hyacinth Primrose Hellebores Bleeding heart Forget-me-not Creeping phlox

Avoid planting near:

Other bulbs competing for nutrients (plant at different depths) Areas with poor drainage or standing water

Common Pests

  • Inspect bulbs before planting; remove infected bulbs. Store bulbs in cool, dry conditions. Treat soil with diatomaceous earth at planting time.

  • Remove and discard affected bulbs. Soak remaining bulbs in hot water (110-115°F) for 2-3 hours before storage.

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply neem oil or slug pellets around emerging foliage.

  • Remove and destroy affected flowers. Insecticidal soap spray during bloom period.

  • and (fungal diseases)

    Ensure excellent drainage. Remove infected bulbs completely. Treat healthy bulbs with fungicide dust. Avoid overhead watering.

Uses

🍳

Not edible

Culinary

Daffodil bulbs and flowers are toxic and contain lycorine and other alkaloids. They should never be eaten and are strictly ornamental. [source]

🏠

Cut flower arrangements

Household

King Alfred is a premium cut flower variety prized by florists and home gardeners for its impressive size, long vase life, and cheerful golden color. It works beautifully in spring arrangements, either alone or mixed with other spring bulbs. [source]

🦋

Early pollinator nectar source

Wildlife

Daffodil flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen to emerging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in early spring when food sources are scarce. The flowers are an important early-season resource for supporting pollinator populations. [source]

🎨

Garden design & naturalization

Craft

King Alfred is excellent for mass plantings, borders, woodland gardens, and naturalizing in lawns. Its bold color and uniform height make it a design classic for spring landscape displays. [source]

💊

Ornamental herbal history

Medicinal

While not safely used medicinally today due to toxicity, daffodils have a long history in traditional medicine. Modern research explores lycorine compounds for potential pharmaceutical applications in cancer and Alzheimer's research. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in the morning when buds are just opening for longest vase life (7-14 days). Use sharp scissors and cut stems at an angle. Remove lower foliage below waterline. Change water every 2-3 days. Do NOT harvest more than one-third of foliage on plants left in garden, as leaves feed the bulb. For naturalizing, simply enjoy blooms in place.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 King Alfred was introduced in 1899 and remains one of the most widely planted daffodil cultivars over 120 years later, testament to its reliability and beauty.
  • 🌱 Daffodil flowers have a natural toxin (lycorine) that makes them poisonous to deer, rabbits, and rodents, making them excellent naturalizing plants in gardens plagued by wildlife damage.
  • 🌱 The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and is celebrated annually on Saint David's Day (March 1st), where wearing a daffodil is a cherished tradition.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH
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