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October through November is the perfect time for both, ideally once the soil has cooled down a bit. I always plant my bulbs around early November, after we've had a few nights of frost - then they sprout really reliably in spring. The daffodils can still go in the ground until December, but the earlier you get them in, the better they'll root before winter.
Do you tend to plant spontaneously or plan your beds long-term?
The timing is actually crucial, just for a different reason than most people think. You need soil temperatures below 15 degrees, otherwise everything will rot - that's the most important thing. At your place it might be September or not until November, depending on the region. Daffodils are more forgiving and tolerate an earlier planting date, tulips are a bit pickier. If you're unsure: waiting doesn't hurt. Better a week too late than too early.
Here's my insider tip that hardly anyone does: put the bulbs in the fridge for a day or two before you stick them in the ground. Sounds weird, but that triggers germination even more and ensures your flowers come up evenly in spring. Also: drainage is king. If your soil is heavy and clayey, mix sand or expanded clay into the planting hole - wet bulbs are dead bulbs. That's more important than the exact planting date.
hans63 asker
I plan my beds out well in advance, thanks for the fridge tip!
For me, tulips and daffodils worked best when I planted them only after the first real frost - around mid to late November - because the soil is actually cold enough then and the bulbs don't start sprouting too early.
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