Award winning bulbs
Planting daffodil bulbs
Planting Daffodils (Narcissus) is fun and easy to do. These spring flowering bulbs should be planted in the autumn, from September through to December (as long as there’s no frost). Choose a site that offers full sun or part shade. Most daffodils will tolerate a range of soil but will naturally grow best in a fertile area, with well-drained soil. Always plant the bulbs roots down (so pointy end up), approximately twice as deep as the bulb is high. Try to avoid overcrowding and keep to about 3 inches apart.
Did you know that the later in the season you plant your daffodil bulbs, the later they will flower? Check here for more information about planting bulbs.
Watering your daffs
It’s important to water your daffodil bulbs well once you’ve planted them to ensure the bulbs root well. The sooner the root system develops, the better daffodil bulbs can withstand winter cold and frosts. Keep an eye on moisture levels in the soil, in dry spring weather, and if it feels too dry, water. Flowering daffodils will also thank you for some extra water too. The main point is do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Fertilising daffodil bulbs
Annual daffodil bulbs don’t require any extra fertilising but daffodils left to naturalise will require some extra nutrients in autumn after you have planted them. It’s advisable to use an organic bulb feed for this. It contains the exact requirements of organic nutrients that ensure abundant flowering and strong and healthy bulbs.
Caring for potted daffodils
Daffodil bulbs will also thrive potted up in plant pots or window boxes on the patio or decking. Potted bulbs need regular watering because the soil tends to dry out quicker. Always use fresh potting compost to plant your daffodil bulbs as this sort of soil will hold moisture for longer. Replace the potting compost when using the bulbs again next year.
Daffodils in a vase
Try some cut daffodils from the garden in a pretty vase on the table. Cut the ends of the stems at an angle with a clean, sharp knife. Make sure the vase is clean – rinse it well with tap water. Don’t put other flowers in the same vase with daffs because the daffodils give off a sap that other flowers don’t appreciate. A drop of bleach in the water in the vase actually ensures that the daffodils flower for longer.
