Daffodils' masses of vibrant blooms atop slender stems are one of the most welcome signs that spring is on its way. These cheery bulbs need no chilling ― just bury them in the soil and wait for them to brighten your garden with color. Daffodils expand their blooms in most regions so, if you leave them in the ground, you'll enjoy more flowers year after year.

Colors: Daffodils come in shades of yellow, white, orange, and peach.

Size: Most grow between 10 and 16 inches tall, with flowers that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Care: Water regularly through fall, winter, and spring if it doesn't rain. Continue watering until foliage turns yellow, and don't water in summer. Divide bulbs only when flower production wanes; do this after foliage fades.

Planting: Plant bulbs about two to three times as deep as they are wide. Choose a site in full sun with well-drained soil. In colder areas, plant in later summer or early fall (as soon as they're available in nurseries.) In warmer regions with warm autumns and mild winters, plant when soil has cooled in mid-fall.

Companions: Cover bulbs with cool-season annuals like pansies, Iceland poppies, or violas or sow seeds of alyssum, forget-me-nots, or wildflowers over the planted area.