How to Draw a Daffodil

Daffodil, jonquil, narcissus, buttercup. All are names for the same lovely flower. Daffodils are known for their trumpet-like, bell shaped flowers. The plants are native to Europe and northern Africa, but now grow all over the world.

Daffodils are perennial, meaning they come back year after year. The flowers grow from a bulb, which resembles a small, hard potato. Daffodils are one of the first springtime flowers to emerge in temperate climates, often while snow still blankets the ground.

In art and culture, this flower has many meanings. In ancient Greece, the flower was associated with death and the underworld, and thus was planted near tombs. In Wales, England, it is the national flower and a symbol of the March 1 holiday called Saint David’s Day. In Iran, it symbolizes the new year. In Persia, it is used as a metaphor for beautiful eyes, and in the Far East as a symbol of wealth.

Did you know? In Greek mythology, the demigod Narcissus was so beautiful that he fell in love with his own reflection in a stream and drowned there. The daffodil, or narcissus, was named for him, as it was said to grow on the riverbank to mark the spot where he fell.

Would you like to learn to draw a daffodil? Doing so is easy and fun with the help of this simple, step-by-step drawing tutorial. You will need only a piece of paper and a pencil, pen, marker, or crayon. You may also wish to color your finished drawing.

If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Tulip, Daisy, and Cross with a Rose.

Watch 'How to Draw ​a​ ​Daffodil' Video Tutorial

​Step by Step Instructions for Drawing ​a​ ​Daffodil

1. Begin by drawing two curved lines, diverging from each other at diagonal angles. Notice how the lines form an incomplete bell shape.

2. Connect the lines by drawing a wavy, circular shape. Then, within the shape, draw another wavy, curved line, following the edge of the curved shape. This line should traverse just over half of the interior of the shape.

3. Next, enclose two petals. For each petal, sketch a teardrop shape using two curved lines. The lines should meet in sharp points opposite the bell of the flower.

4. Draw two more petals. Again, use two curved lines to enclose a teardrop shape for each.

5. Enclose two more petals emerging from behind the center of the flower. These petals should also be teardrop shaped, but partially hidden by the bell.

6. Next, draw a stem for the flower. Begin by drawing a long, curved line downward from the blossom. Then, draw another curved line parallel to the first. Allow the lines to meet in a sharp point.

7. Draw a leaf extending from the stem. Use two curved lines, allowing them to meet in a point.

8. Draw a second leaf intersecting the bottom of the stem. Use two curved lines to enclose the leaf, and allow them to meet in sharp points at each end. Then, draw an additional curved line through the center of each leaf. These lines form the leaves’ central veins.

9. Detail your flower. Adjust any petals as needed. Draw another wavy, curved line within the bell of the flower to add depth. Then, draw a series of short, curved lines emerging from a central point in the bell. Place a small circle at the end of each. These are the flower’s stamen and anthers, which contain pollen.

10. ​Color your daffodil. Most daffodils are yellow, but they may also be orange, red, white, or pink. Often, the bell of the flower is a different color than the exterior petals.

Why stop with one flower? Fill your page with posies, using our handy, helpful flower drawing guides. Choose from tulips, daisies, sunflowers, roses, lilies, and more.