Guide to growing Winter Daffodil - Sternbergia

The Sternbergia genus are grown from hardy bulbs in the garden and are able to reach about 15cm in height.

Some common names for Sternbergia include Winter Daffodils and yellow autumn crocus; here for information on how to grow daffodils.

Sternbergia bloom in the autumn with yellow or white crocus like flowers.

How to grow Winter Daffodil

Sternbergia species such as winter daffodils can be grown from seed, but are more often grown from bulbs. The winter daffodil bulbs should be buried at a depth of 10cm from late in summer to early autumn. Sternbergia should be spaced at about 10 to 15cm apart and can be grown in sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden. Ideally the soil that winter daffodils grows in should be fertile and have excellent drainage.

If growing winter daffodils from seeds then sow outside towards the end of summer. Lightly cover the seeds once sown. It is much easier to grow winter daffodils from the abundant bulblets that they produce.

Caring for Winter Daffodils and other Sternbergia

It is important to frequently water winter daffodil and other Sternbergia during the growing season as they are thirsty plants during their vegetative stage. Once flowering growth starts they do not require as much water. Following blooming the plant leaves will wither. Once they have withered completely it is safe to cut Sternbergia leaves off to tidy up the plant. If you require more winter daffodil (yellow autumn crocus / Sternbergia) plants then they readily produce bulblets in the autumn.