Planting Daffodils

(Photo Croydon Clicker, Visual Hunt)

Now through October is a good time to plant daffodils.

When buying bulbs, feel them to make sure they are firm. If they are not to be planted immediately, store them in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.

Daffodils like a sunny location but will do well in partial shade. Keep in mind that most daffodils bloom before leaves have fully emerged from trees, so a current shady spot might be more sunny when they bloom.

Spot Planting

Daffodils will look best when grouped together, at least 5 bulbs or more in one spot. Dig a generous hole and amend the soil well with compost or a rich medium. If desired (but not necessary), sprinkle in a handful of bone meal or other bulb fertilizer and mix it into the soil. Plant the bulb about 6 inches deep for a mid-large sized bulb. Smaller bulbs can be planted 3-4″ inches. The rule of thumb is to plant the bulb at a depth that is 2 1/2 times the size of the bulb. Space the bulbs 4-6″ apart. This doesn’t have to be a precise measurement, so do not fret over it too much. After covering the bulb with soil, tamp down firmly and water lightly. Cover the area lightly with mulch, such as bark chips, compost or pine needles.

If planting only one bulb at a time, such as in a perennial border, use a bulb planter or a long, narrow dibber or trowel.

Naturalizing

If you have a meadow or lawn area, naturalizing is a good alternative. Simply scatter bulbs and plant them where they fall.

Spring Growth

Emerging daffodil foliage is always a thrill. Once blades begin to appear, you can sprinkle a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) and scratch it lightly into the surface.

After daffodils have finished blooming, it is important to leave the foliage standing as this is how they build up energy for next year.  This usually takes 4-6 weeks after blooms have faded.

Daffodils Not Blooming?

If you’ve had daffodils in the ground for a number of years and they have stopped blooming, they are probably too crowded. If the clump is dense and the leaves are flopping, that is a sign that they need dividing. You can do this right away or you can mark the spot and wait until fall.

Too much shade could also be a factor for fewer blooms. Observe the flowers and note if they are getting enough sunlight. If not, they can be moved.