Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Check the calendar to see if the blooming season has ended.
- Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
- Inspect the base of the plant for a soft or rotting bulb.
Likely causes
Natural Dormancy
Most likelyHow to tell: The yellowing happens 6 to 8 weeks after the flowers have faded. This is the normal process of the plant going into summer dormancy.
What to do: Do nothing. Let the leaves yellow completely before trimming them to the ground.
Basal Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow prematurely while the soil is wet and warm. You might notice a foul smell or soft, mushy bulb tissue if you dig slightly.
What to do: Remove and destroy affected bulbs immediately to prevent spread. Improve soil drainage by adding grit or sand before replanting in a new location.
Find out what's wrong with your daffodil
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Worry if the leaves turn yellow while the plant is still in full bloom or shortly after. It is perfectly normal for leaves to yellow as the season ends.
Stopping it coming back
Plant bulbs in well-draining soil to prevent fungal issues. Avoid overwatering during the summer dormancy period.
Daffodil: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your daffodil and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Can I plant something over the yellowing leaves?
- Yes, planting annuals or perennials nearby can help hide the fading foliage. Just make sure not to disturb the bulbs while digging.
- Is yellowing a sign of a pest?
- Sometimes, but it is more often related to moisture or the natural cycle. Check for bulb fly larvae if the plant looks stunted and yellow.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Daffodil
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.