When is the best time to plant perennial bulbs for a luscious spring fling come next year?

The best time to plant daffodils is usually late October or around the first frost when the ground is still soft and workable.

It is hard to believe, but daffodils come in more than 26,000 varieties, many of them in surprising shapes, colors and fragrances (spicy to sweet).

They commonly peek out during the first few weeks of spring, but crossbreeding has changed their usual debut. If you pick carefully, the gardener could have different varieties of daffodils coming up in late winter through early summer.

Daffodils are low-maintenance, deer-tolerant plants that are easy to grow and naturalize well, increasing in numbers year after year.

Daffodils often tolerate a range of outdoor conditions, but they prefer direct sunlight and well-drained soils. As a general rule of thumb, plant bulbs, tip up, at a depth three times the bulb's height. Spacing should be about 6 inches apart. Add a layer of mulch for protection from extreme cold. The mulch will also enhance the color of the green shoots and blooms as they emerge in the spring.

Some early bloomer varieties of daffodils are Erlicheer and Rip van Winkle. Erlicheer daffodils sport cream petals flecked with gold and resemble a wedding bouquet.

Mid bloomers include petit four and pink charm. Pink charm has a long bloom time and is considered a top performer.

Some varieties of late bloomers are Tahiti and Acropolis. Tahiti daffodils have an exotic appearance with big yellow flowers tinged orange and red. Golden bells daffodils is a favorite with their unusual bell shaped flowers with as many as 15 blossoms instead of the usual one or two.

Bloom times can vary depending on the region. We live in Zone 7, so read the labels on the packages for the exact bloom times. Look for these bulbs and other varieties in bulb order magazines and local home stores. Make sure the bulbs look healthy and that they have no appearance of mold or mildew.

From spiky to frilly, there are many types of daffodils to choose from, all in a range of colors from yellow to pink.

Plant some in the next several weeks for a dazzling display next spring.

Wanda Cannon is a Master Gardener trained through the Hall County program and also serves as Master Gardener coordinator and horticulture assistant for the Hall County Extension office. Phone: 770-535-8293.