One
Dig down about 9 inches to prepare the soil for growing daffodils. Make each hole large enough for 5-7 bulbs, depending on your design. Avoid straight lines unless you want a more formal look. I stagger my daffodils on hillsides to create a natural effect.
Two
Add a tablespoon of bone meal or bulb fertilizer to each hole. Cover it with enough soil to keep the bulb from direct contact with the fertilizer.
For my daffodils, I skip fertilizing, as their large size gives them plenty of stored nutrients.
Three
Plant each daffodil bulb about 6 inches deep if it’s large. For smaller bulbs, plant a bit more shallowly. A good rule is to bury each bulb three times its base-to-shoulder height. This depth promotes re-blooming in future seasons.
Don’t Forget The Water When Growing Daffodils!
Four
Water the bulbs after planting or let the winter rains do the work if they’ll arrive soon.
Five
If you plant on a hillside, mow the grass before the daffodil stalks emerge. Once they sprout, avoid mowing to ensure strong blooms.
Six
Once they bloom, feel free to cut some flowers, but know this reduces the bulb’s stored energy for the next season.
Seven
After flowering, leave all stalks and leaves to die back naturally.
Eight
Once the foliage turns brown, you can cut it down to ground level or let it decompose on its own.
Nine
Don’t braid or tie up the foliage. This damages the capillaries and weakens future blooming.
Ten
Avoid summer watering in the daffodil area, allowing the soil to dry out to keep bulbs healthy and ready for the next season.
Following these steps when growing daffodils helps ensure that they stay vibrant and multiply naturally each year. As they establish, daffodils add beauty and reliability to the garden with minimal maintenance. Their strong, cheerful blooms will herald the arrival of spring, providing both early color and texture.
0 Comments