Daffodils cost vary by bulb size, variety, quantity, and region. This guide breaks down typical price ranges to help buyers budget for plantings, borders, or mass displays. Key cost drivers include bulb quality, planting density, soil prep, and seasonal offers.
Introduction note: Understand the basic price ranges for daffodils and how per-bulb or per-pack pricing scales with volume, then estimate the total project cost for a specific bed or landscape area.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulbs (per bulb) | $0.25 | $0.70 | $2.00 | Common sizes vary; premium varieties cost more |
| Bulbs (pack of 25) | $6 | $15 | $40 | Bulk discounts apply at 50+ bulbs |
| Container plantings (potted up to 6-8 bulbs) | $8 | $16 | $40 | Includes soil mix and pot |
| Soil and amendments | $10 | $25 | $60 | Compost, mulch, or topsoil as needed |
| Mulch or groundcover | $15 | $35 | $100 | Protects bulbs and reduces weeds |
| Delivery | $0 | $15 | $50 | Depends on quantity and distance |
| Labor for planting (per hour) | $15 | $20 | $25 | Assumes typical home planting beds |
| Labor for bulk planting (per bed) | $60 | $140 | $350 | Includes site prep and planting density |
Daffodil Bulb Prices by Variety and Size
Bulb size and variety drive most of the cost for planting daffodils. Smaller, common varieties are typically the least expensive, while large, showy triandrus or split-corona types command premiums. For a standard 2-inch graded bulb, expect a low end of about $0.25 per bulb, with averages ranging from $0.60 to $1.25, and premium cultivars reaching $2.00 or more per bulb. In packs of 25, prices commonly span $6 to $25, with larger, mixed or named selections climbing toward $40 per pack.
Assumptions: Midwest/temperate climate, standard 2-inch-rooted bulbs, quality but not ultra-premium cultivars.
Per-Bulb Cost for Standard Daffodils
Per-bulb pricing scales with size class and cultivar choice. For a typical home border, standard yellow daffodils use 2-inch to 2.5-inch bulbs. Low-cost markets price these around $0.25-$0.60 per bulb; mid-range selections run $0.60-$1.25 each; premium per-bulb costs $1.50-$2.00 for top-tier varieties. A 50-bulb border would span roughly $30-$100 before soil and mulch, while 100 bulbs can be $60-$180 before handling or delivery.
Assumptions: Planting in a sunlit, well-drained bed with standard compost.
Bulk Planting Material and Packaging Costs
Bulk purchases reduce per-bulb cost but add delivery or handling considerations. When buying 50–100 bulbs in a single order, unit prices often drop to the $0.50–$0.80 range, with 200+ bulbs pushing closer to $0.40–$0.60 per bulb depending on supplier and mix. Packaging can include loose bulbs, netted bags, or pallets, each affecting transport costs. Expect soil amendments and mulch to run separately but essential for successful establishment.
Assumptions: Standard 60–80 bulbs per order, regional supplier in the interior U.S.
Soil Prep and Mulch as a Cost Driver
Soil preparation directly impacts planting success and total cost. Basic soil prep includes tilling or loosening the top 6–8 inches, and incorporating compost or balanced soil amendments. For bare beds, add a mulch layer of 2–3 inches. Typical costs: soil amendments $15–$40 per bag or cubic yard, mulch $25–$60 per bag or cubic yard, and delivery $0–$50 depending on distance. For a modest 200 sq ft border, soil prep plus mulch can add $50–$200 to the project, excluding labor.
Assumptions: Moderate soil quality, home garden scale, average access for load-in.
Labor Time for Planting Daffodils
Labor is a major variable in total cost, often eclipsing bulb price for larger beds. Planting density commonly ranges from 6–12 bulbs per square foot for a naturalized look, or 8–12 bulbs per sq ft for a defined border. At 8 bulbs per sq ft, a 100 sq ft bed uses roughly 800 bulbs, costing $200–$1,600 purely on bulbs depending on variety. Labor rates in the U.S. typically run $15–$25 per hour, with 1–2 hours per 100 sq ft for smaller jobs and 4–8 hours for larger borders, depending on accessibility and prep work. A realistic installed cost for a 100 sq ft bed with standard bulbs could be $400–$1,000 including bulbs, soil, and labor.
Assumptions: Residential landscape with reachable bed edges and standard tools.
Regional Price Differences Across the United States
Geography shifts outright costs due to climate, supply, and labor markets. Coastal and southern regions may see higher delivery and mulch costs, while the Midwest and rural areas often benefit from lower labor rates. Expect per-bulb pricing to swing by 10–30% between regions for common varieties, and 20–40% for premium cultivars. Bulk purchases from regional nurseries can reduce delivery charges significantly when orders meet certain weights or volumes.
Assumptions: Typical regional variation with standard demand patterns and no exceptional weather delays.
Maintenance Add-Ons and Ongoing Care Costs
Maintenance adds modest ongoing costs but improves bloom reliability. After establishment, annual maintenance includes light fertilizer or bulb-specific fertilizer, mulch refresh, and occasional division every 3–5 years. Annual care might run $20–$60 per 100 sq ft, including fertilizer and mulch refresh. If ordering irrigation add-ons, budget for drip lines or soaker hoses at $0.50–$2 per linear ft installed, plus potential labor. For a one-time border install, factor another $50–$150 for mulch replacement in subsequent seasons.
Assumptions: Ballpark care in temperate zones with typical rainfall and no irrigation overhaul.
Seasonal Pricing Trends for Daffodils
Seasonality affects availability and price, with spring demand typically peaking in late winter to early spring. Prices for bulbs often rise in late winter when stock is limited, while fall plantings can see better selection and sometimes lower introductory prices. Buying ahead of peak season may secure discounts of 5–15% on bulk orders, though shipping costs might increase as demand tightens. If a preferred variety is out of stock, substitution to similar size or cultivar can alter total pricing by 10–25% depending on the chosen replacement.
Assumptions: Ordering within typical garden center cycles and medium lead times.
