Daffodils are a classic spring flower whose happy yellow blooms make any garden look better. Keeping daffodils in the right way between seasons is important if you want them to bloom every year. Daffodil bulbs need to be dormant during the winter before they can bloom again. In warmer places, this means that the bulbs need to be dug up after they flower and kept in the right way until they are planted again.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly store daffodil bulbs between seasons for optimal growth and flowering:
When to Dig Up Bulbs
- Wait until the foliage turns yellow and dies back completely before digging up bulbs, usually 4-6 weeks after blooming.
- Digging too early can reduce next year’s bloom. The leaves produce energy that gets stored in the bulb for next year’s flowers.
- Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully lift bulbs from the ground. Be careful not to slice into bulbs.
Curing and Drying Bulbs
- Gently brush off excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs.
- Leave bulbs to dry in a cool, shady spot for 1-2 days until skins are papery.
- Roots can be trimmed off with pruning shears to discourage early sprouting during storage.
- Sort through bulbs and discard any that are diseased, moldy or damaged.
Storing Bulbs Properly
- Place cured bulbs in a breathable mesh bag or paper bag. Label bags for easy identification.
- Keep bulbs in a cool (60-65°F), dark, and dry location like a basement, cellar or garage.
- An unheated shed or garage works well in cooler climates. Warmer climates may need a refrigerator.
- Ensure bulbs don’t freeze or overheat. Ideal storage temperature is 60-65°F.
Storage Duration
- Store bulbs for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. This cold period is required for proper flowering.
- Potted bulbs forced into early blooming indoors will still benefit from 8 weeks of cold storage afterward.
- Stagger planting over several weeks for a longer season of spring blooms.
Avoiding Storage Problems
- Insufficient cooling can prevent bulbs from blooming properly. At least 6 weeks at 60-65°F is recommended.
- Storing bulbs in high humidity encourages rot and disease. Ensure bulbs remain dry.
- Keep stored bulbs away from apples, pears and other ripening fruit, which release ethylene gas.
When to Plant Bulbs Again
- In cold climates, plant bulbs in fall, at least 4-6 weeks before ground freezes.
- In warm climates, plant bulbs in late December or January for spring blooms.
- Potted bulbs forced into early flowering indoors should be planted outside in spring after storage.
How to Plant Stored Bulbs
- Prepare planting holes 2-3 times as deep as the bulb height. Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart.
- Place bulbs pointed end up in holes and cover with soil. Water bulbs after planting.
- Mix in bulb fertilizer or compost into soil at planting for extra nutrients.
- Continue watering occasionally until foliage appears.
If you dig, cure, store, and replant your bulbs the right way after they bloom, your daffodils will keep growing for years to come. With a little care, you can enjoy drifts of happy daffodils as a sign of spring for many years to come.
Key Points to Remember
- Allow foliage to die back completely before digging up bulbs.
- Dry bulbs thoroughly before storage.
- Keep bulbs cool (60-65°F), dry and dark for 6-8 weeks.
- Avoid freezing, overheating or humidity during storage.
- Discard any diseased or damaged bulbs.
- Plant cooled bulbs in late fall or winter for spring blooms.
With the right techniques for post-bloom bulb care, your daffodils will continue flowering year after year, heralding the arrival of spring with their bright yellow blooms.
Storing FAQs for Flower Bulbs
Flower bulbs are usually one of the easiest plants to start from seed in the garden. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure they come back every year. Lets go over some frequently asked questions about flower bulbs.
Digging Up and Storing Tulip BulbsDigging and storing tulip bulbs is a relatively easy process, and saves your bulbs from squirrels and frost damage. However, tulip bulbs don’t actually need to be lifted in most of the United States. Unless you find that your bulbs are stunted or damaged after the winter, you don’t need to dig up and store tulip bulbs. If you find that your bulbs disappear over winter—dead due to poor conditions or carried off by hungry critters—you may want to lift and store your tulip bulbs. Wait until the foliage has died back on your tulip bulbs before digging them: digging too early can harm the bulbs. Use a trowel to dig about eight inches into the ground around each bulb, then lift the bulbs and shake off the extra dirt. Trim off the extra foliage. Next, cure the tulip bulbs by setting them in a box of peat, paper, or other packing materials. Allow the bulbs to dry for a few days, then store them on paper in a cardboard bo Use a garage or refrigerator to store the bulbs in cool, dark spot, and replant them in compost-amended soil in the spring.
Most Asiatic and oriental lilies do not need to be lifted or stored in most locations. However, some lilies are not cold-hardy in locations lower than Zone 5 or 6. In those climates, lifting and storing your lilies will keep them safe from cold damage.
Before you use a spade or small shovel to lift your rhizomes, make sure the leaves have died back. Cut the leaves and stem an inch or two above the crown of the rhizome. Gently brush off any soil from the lily, and trim long roots back. Next, place the lily rhizomes on cardboard or paper with a few inches of space between them. Let them dry for three to four days in a cool, dark place.
While your lilies cure, prepare a tray of peat moss for overwinter storage. Once your lilies have cured, place them on the tray, leaving plenty of room for airflow. Then, store your lilies in a cool, dry location with a temperature between 35-55℉. Leave the rhizomes uncovered to allow for good airflow, and check on them over winter to watch for spots of rot or mold.
How To Dig & Store Tulip & Daffodil Bulbs
FAQ
How long can you leave daffodil bulbs unplanted?
Most bulbs will still flower if they were left out for up to a year unplanted.
How do you store daffodil bulbs before planting?
Store them away from sunlight in a cool, dry basement, cellar, garage or shed at 60-65°F. Avoid temperatures below 50°F or above 70°F unless different instructions are given for a particular bulbs. Follow specific storing instructions for tender bulbs, such as Dahlias, Gladiolus and Begonias.
Should daffodil bulbs be stored in the dark?
While it’s important to keep bulbs cool, also make sure they’re stored in a dark place. Direct sunlight can increase temperatures inside your storage containers and cause premature sprouting or damage.