Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring. They bring the promise of warmer weather as well as a much needed burst of color to the still grey and dull landscape of your yard or flower beds. Like other bulbs, daffodils are very easy to grow. You can also force them to bloom indoors! We’ll talk more about that in a moment.
‘Lemon Ice’ blend
Planting
- Plant daffodils in fall about 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes to allow the roots to develop underground.
- Plant them 6” – 8” deep and 3” to 6” apart, although they will tolerate some crowding.
- Add Dutch bulb food or bone meal to the planting hole.
- Daffodils are native to woodlands so they will grow well in conditions from shade to full sun.
After bloom
- Do not cut the plants down right after blooming.
- Their leaves are taking in energy from the sun and delivering it to the bulb for next year.
- Cut the wilted foliage off at the base or just twist the leaves while pulling lightly.
- Dig up your bulbs every couple of years to separate and then replant them as they will multiply over time.
Bonus: Squirrels, chipmunks and other rodents do not like the taste of daffodil bulbs!
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Forcing bulbs to bloom indoors
- An azalea pot is the best container to use. It is fairly shallow, having a depth equal to three-fourths the diameter of the pot (measured at the rim.). A bulb pan is also an option but any houseplant container that drains well will do.
- Fill the container about ½ to ¾ of the way with potting mix and then moisten.
- Gently press the bulbs into the moist potting mix with the broad base down and the pointed end up.
- Arrange them as close together as possible without touching each other or the container itself.
- Barely cover the bulbs with additional potting mix and water gently, if the bulbs become exposed add some more soil as settling may occur once watered.
Now the forcing part
- Place the planted container in a dark, cool area for 12 weeks or longer, depending on the bulb.
- The temp must remain below 48º F, but above freezing (35º - 40º is recommended).
- While total darkness is the best, if they are placed in a refrigerator the light from opening the door is not an issue to worry about.
- Once the roots begin growing out of the drainage holes (depending on the size of container you’re using) or the shoots start to grow, it’s time to start a gradual transition to warm.
- Be careful not to expose the bulbs to warm temps too fast, as this may cause the blooms to emerge too fast and they will end up failing before they have a chance to open.
- Start out in the coolest spot in your house and gradually move them to warmer areas. Rotate the containers ¼ turn every few days to help with even growth and to keep the stems upright.
- Try to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
‘Trumpet Mix’
After indoor bloom
- Once the bulbs have finished flowering, remove the spent flowers
- Continue to water and provide light for the foliage.
- The bulbs can be planted outside when the weather permits just as any perennial.
- Don’t remove the foliage until it has turned yellow.
Note: Forcing bulbs takes a lot out of them and they may not produce the same way the next season, but with time they will come back. Don’t force bulbs more than once.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!