Autumn is a good time to think of planting some more daffodils for cutting or naturalising.

Daffodils are one of the easiest plants to grow. If basic care is given, the bulbs can flower year after year.

Planting Daffodils.

The best time for planting daffodils is in September and October. They can be planted in the green in late spring. But, usually do fine through planting in autumn.

The most important thing when planting daffodils is to plant them at the correct depth. As a basic guide the depth want to be 3 times the length of the bulb. E.g. if the bulb is 2.5 inches. They should be planted at a depth of 7-8 inches. However, it is better to err on the side of planting more deeply. Planting them more deeply makes it less likely they will dry out.

Feeding Daffodils

After flowering, it is advisable to sprinkle a fertilizer around the base of the leaves. This gives the chance for the bulbs to gain greater strength for future years.

Deadheading Daffodils.

After flowering has finished, cutting off dead flowers, conserves energy – putting energy into bulbs rather than the seeds. It also makes them look more attractive.
Not Cutting down Daffodils.

The problem with daffodils is that after flowering, the leaves can become unsightly until they finally die back by mid June. However, you can’t afford to cut off the leaves as they will not gain sufficient strength. In important borders you could lift them up and plant them in an allotment so they can increase bulb size in a less visible place. This is quite time consuming but can be made easier by panting in baskets which are easier to lift.

Another option is to tie the leaves together, this is not ideal but is much better than cutting off.

Dividing every 3-4 years.

Bulbs naturally self divide creating more bulbs. Every 3 -4 years, these bulbs can be divided as a way to increase your bulb stock and prevent overcrowding. However, if this is time consuming it is not essential.

Other tips for Growing Daffodils

• Avoid waterlogging or dryness. Add some grit to the bottom of bulbs will reduce risk of fungus due to waterlogging.
• Choose varieties carefully to give a range of flowering periods.
• Plant in good clumps. It looks good to plant drifts of one variety.
• Daffodils work very well as being planted in lawns to give a natural effect. However, you will need to avoid cutting the grass until they have died back.

Related

• Minature Daffodils
• Daffodil blindness

Daffodils can be ordered now for Autumn delivery from Thompson & Morgan