Tulip vs Daffodil: Bulbs Flowers plus Care
The tulip vs daffodil choice shows in the flower. NC State Extension describes tulips as cup, bowl or star shaped blooms in all colors except true blue. Daffodils carry a tubular trumpet above six spreading petal like parts. Daffodils return for years, while tulip performance usually declines starting with the second year.
The short answer
Tulips are lily family bulbs with cup, bowl or star shaped flowers in mid to late spring. Daffodils are amaryllis family bulbs with a central trumpet plus bloom for two to three weeks from late winter to late spring. Both are planted in fall. Daffodils can stay put for years, while tulips often fade after year one.
How do tulip and daffodil flowers differ?
NC State Extension notes tulip flowers are usually solitary plus erect, shaped like a cup, bowl or star, with six tepals in two whorls. Daffodil flowers appear single or in clusters on a naked stem, with a tubular projection above six spreading petal like parts. Tulips come in all colors except true blue.
| Trait | Tulip | Daffodil |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Lily family (Liliaceae) | Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) |
| Flower | Cup, bowl or star shape | Trumpet above six petal like parts |
| Height | 4 to 28 inches | 8 to 30 inches |
| Bloom | Mid to late spring | Late winter to late spring, two to three weeks |
| Return | Declines from the second year | Can be left for years |
| Deer | Deer eat the flowers | Deer plus rabbit resistant |
Source: NC State Extension.
Which bulb returns more reliably?
Daffodils. NC State Extension notes daffodil bulbs can be left undisturbed for years plus divided after the foliage dies back if bloom declines. University of Illinois Extension notes daffodils form offsets around the original bulb. For tulips, NC State Extension notes performance declines substantially starting with the second year, so many gardeners grow hybrids as annuals.
Why do animals avoid daffodils?
NC State Extension lists daffodils as deer, rabbit plus salt resistant. It notes deer will eat tulip flowers but not the leaves, while mice plus voles eat tulip bulbs plus squirrels may dig up new ones. University of Illinois Extension notes field mice most often attack tulips, crocus plus gladioli but rarely daffodils.
How to: step by step
- Spot a cup shaped tulip or a trumpet shaped daffodil.
- Plant both in fall in well drained soil.
- Plant tulips three times the depth of the bulb.
- Set daffodil bulbs 8 inches deep, 2 to 3 inches apart.
- Clip spent flower stems after bloom.
- Let foliage yellow before trimming it.
Troubleshooting
Bulbs rot: poorly drained soil. NC State Extension notes bulb plus root rots occur in wet soil, so choose a well drained spot.
Tulips fade after one year: normal decline. NC State Extension notes species tulips often perform better than hybrids as perennials.
Tulip bulbs vanish: rodents. University of Illinois Extension suggests a cage of 1/2 inch mesh screen buried at planting depth.
For related reading see cannabis leaf anatomy, deer and cannabis gardens plus planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Tulipa, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Narcissus, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Tulips, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Bulbs, University of Illinois Extension
FAQ
When should tulip and daffodil bulbs be planted?
Fall. NC State Extension notes the ideal time to plant daffodil bulbs is in the fall. University of Illinois Extension notes spring bulbs start to grow again in the fall plus flower the next season. Plant late arriving bulbs right away rather than holding them until spring, plus mulch the site so the soil stays unfrozen.
How deep should bulbs go?
NC State Extension suggests planting tulips three times the depth of the bulb in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. It suggests planting daffodil bulbs 8 inches deep plus 2 to 3 inches apart, about 10 to 12 bulbs per square foot. Plant daffodils in groups of at least six for a sweeping mass.
Do tulips come back every year?
Often not well. NC State Extension notes tulip performance declines substantially starting with the second year, so many gardeners grow hybrids as annuals. Species tulips often perform better as perennials. UF/IFAS notes Florida winters are too warm for the cool dormancy tulips need, so pre chilled bulbs usually bloom only once there.
Can bulbs grow in pots?
Yes. NC State Extension notes tulips make wonderful outdoor container plants plus can be forced in containers for indoor display. It lists daffodils for containers as well. University of Illinois Extension notes a potted tulip rarely blooms again the next year, though bulbs can be stored cool plus planted outside in August.
When should bulb foliage be cut back?
University of Illinois Extension suggests leaving yellowing tulip leaves in place until they are almost fully yellow, about late June, then cutting them to the ground. The green leaves are making food for next year's flowers. NC State Extension notes daffodil foliage should not be cut back until it begins to yellow.
