I've gotten a big show out of big bulbs from the online importers AND from loads of smaller bulbs from the big box stores. I believe you get a bigger flower from a bigger bulb when it comes to the big-trumpet daffs like Dutch Master. But there's something to be said for a mass of smaller faces too.

BTW, have you ever tried those that are covered with tiny flowers like the Tazettas?

Here is a link that might be useful: avalanche

If you are in zone 10, I'm wondering if you can grow daffs, without having to lift them yearly and chill them yourself to see blooms other than just the first season. I am assuming that the bulbs you are purchasing have been prechilled.

Taken from the link below:
If you are in Zone 8 or warmer, you must pre cool your bulbs for at least ten weeks prior to planting or good root development.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to plant the easiest fall bulbs - Daffodils

IÂm in Northern CA, near San Francisco. Based on the Zone Finder, IÂm in Zone 10, but on the milder side (lots of microclimates here). The Daffs around the area always return and spread; I had some last year which were not pre-chilled, and they performed beautifully. The neighborhood is filled with blooming Daffs in spring, IÂm assuming from the previous years planting.

chemocurl - I think it has more to do with soil temperature at planting time - and soil type. And how far down the heat/dry has penetrated over the summer.

Frosts in my area get down to -7C (rarely) - and my summer range is seldom greater than 25C. Humidity is moderate - definitely not sub tropical, thank goodness!

My Narcissus in the ground have usually started into root growth at the end of January-beginning February (mid-summer for me). There is enough coolth and moisture for them. So I don't fridge at all. For anything. Past experience has shown me that doing so leads to severe losses.

And I know that's not true for others. It's just my microclimate and general maritime climate conditions. People just over the hill, on the coast, have a zone 10 rating - and they also have no trouble growing Narcissus, Leucojum and similar bulbs (along with tamarillos and mountain pawpaw and other yummy treats. Grrr!)

Personally, I am always awed by the huge effort the inland continental gardeners put in every year to get brilliant displays from their bulbs. Very humbling, and great to learn from. Thanks.