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Time to plant daffodils

Media contact:

Robert E. Thomas
Information Specialist
University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group
Phone: 573-882-2480
E-Mail: thomasr@missouri.edu

Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Story source:

David H. Trinklein, 573-882-9631

COLUMBIA, Mo. –Early through mid-October is an ideal time to plant daffodils in Missouri, said a University of Missouri horticulturist.

“Daffodils must have time to develop a good root system before cold temperatures set in for the winter,” said David Trinklein. “They are one of the most vigorous, colorful spring flowers. With adequate drainage, they will thrive in most Missouri soils for years and be relatively pest-free.”

Good soil drainage is particularly important. Bulbs in poorly drained locations weaken quickly, fail to flower after the first year and develop bulb rots, he said. Organic matter incorporated into the soil usually helps improve drainage.

Daffodils need at least five hours of sunlight every day. “Avoid planting them on north sides of buildings or near tall, dense evergreens,” he said.

Daffodils do not require heavy fertilization. Use a complete garden fertilizer with 1:2:2 or 1:3:3 parts nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Avoid applying large amounts of nitrogen.

Mix fertilizer thoroughly with the soil. Don’t place it directly at the bottom of the hole.

Space bulbs 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the cultivar and desired flowering effect. Plant them so the base of the bulb is about 6 inches below the surface (about 8 inches in lighter soils).

If rainfall is sparse, water bulbs after planting and throughout the fall. Organic mulches such as pine needles can help retain moisture and keep soil temperature uniform and warm. Keeping bulbs warm is important to allow them to develop extensive root systems before soil temperatures drop.

Lightly fertilize established bulbs each spring just as their leaves emerge from the soil. Don’t get fertilizer on the leaves themselves.

Daffodil bulbs should remain dry during the summer when they are dormant. The leaves manufacture food and help produce flowers the following year, so let foliage remain on the plant for about eight weeks following bloom.

Properly spaced bulbs will need dividing only every five to 10 years, when flower size becomes smaller.

For more information, see the MU Extension guide “Spring Flowering Bulbs: Daffodils” (G6610), available for purchase or free download at http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6610.

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