When to plant daffodils
Laura Asked
Daffodil bulbs are on sale right now. If I buy some what should I do? Plant them right now even though it’s so late or store them somewhere and plant them next fall?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Laura: Daffodils that are sold in containers during the spring can be saved and added to the garden. It takes a lot of energy to force a bulb into bloom and some gardeners would consider them done and toss them in the compost. If the goal is to save them, keep in mind that they may not bloom for the first year or two after planting. Place the container in a sunny window and remove the flowers after they fade. Let the foliage remain so it can collect energy. Most of the collected energy will be spent on root establishment which is why flowers may be sparse the first couple years after planting. The stems should be cut back after they turn yellow or brown and not before. Once the foliage has died back, the soil should be dry, and the bulbs can be stored in a cool, dark space until the fall or planted directly in the garden. Choose a space in the garden that is well-drained and sunny. Plant the bulbs 7-8 inches deep and add granular bulb fertilizer to the planting hole. Water well and throughout the growing season to encourage root production. I hope this is helpful.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
