Daffodils are a fun flower that let you know spring has arrived. They are typically the first bulbs to bloom each season, and just as quickly as they come they go. Their beauty however makes their brief stay worth it, which is why people plant daffodil bulbs year after year. If you want to enjoy daffodils in your yard, or just want to take better care of the ones you have, take a look below at 7 tips for growing daffodils that you can try!
7 Tips for Growing Daffodils
1. Plant bulbs at the appropriate depth.
When planting daffodil bulbs, they should be planted three times deeper than the length of the bulb. Measure if you have to, as depth is a huge factor in the success of the bulb.
2. Check your soil.
Before planting bulbs, be sure your soil drains well and gets plenty of sunlight. While daffodils don’t need full sun, a good 5 to 6 hours of sun a day is advised. Avoid any soil that is too hard, compacted, or full of clay.
3. Feed appropriately.
Allow your bulbs and your blooms 1-2 inches of water per week. While daffodils love water, they do not care for fertilizer. Avoid using any chemical fertilizers on your bulbs or blooms. Mulch is a great way to help keep water and moisture in the soil around the plant as well.
4. Know how to pick your blooms.
When you are ready to pick your daffodils, be careful not to disturb the root and bulb. Snip the stem at the base, leaving all greenery and root system in tact. Place your daffodil stems in clean water that a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar has been added to. The sugar will act as a food source to the flowers and help them last longer.
5. Don’t cut back too soon.
Always wait until the greenery on your daffodils is yellow before you cut the plants back. This is your sign that the plant is done trying to nurture itself and is now ready for a nap.
6. Dig up your bulb.
At the conclusion of the season, you can dig up your bulbs, rinse them, and store them in a cool and dry place. You can then replant them in the fall. If you wish to leave them in the ground you may, as most good quality bulbs will continue to grow for 3-5 years.
7. Plan the appropriate varieties for the nest growing season.
Remember that miniature varieties are ideal for containers and window boxes. They are also great for smaller areas where room may be an issue. Your larger daffodil varieties are perfect for walkways, cutting gardens, and flower beds. Keep this in mind when choosing the bulbs you want to plant the following season.
Daffodils come in so many colors and varieties, you can easily get addicted to planting them. As you can see, growing daffodils is quite simple and the flowers are perfect for just about any yard, cutting garden, or flower bed. Give these tips your consideration if you want to enjoy daffodils in your space this year. They are sure to help you plant the best daffodils yet.
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