Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 by admin in Louisville Flower |

When is the best time to plant Daffodils?*

As soon as the soil temperature goes below 56 degrees is the best time. In greater Louisville that us usually early October. If the soil is too warm your bulbs may rot before they root.

What if I can’t get them planted before then?

Keep your stored bulbs in a cool, dry, well- ventilated spot until you plant. You can plant Daffs as late as January or February, but earlier planting is always recommended. Late-planted bulbs will likely bloom later and the flowers may be smaller and off-color from what is typical for your particular variety. It is always best to plant your Daffs as soon as possible once soil temp has cooled to 56 degrees.

Where is the best place to plant Daffodils?

Any site that is well-drained and gets half day sun or more is good for Daffodils. Soils that are wet, especially during winter, promotes rot. Avoid those sites. Soil that is dry during the summer dormancy period is also desirable. Pink cups, red cups and color-rimmed Daffs will usually develop better color when protected from hot afternoon sun. Sites with protection from winds are also desirable. The flowers last longer.

How deep do I plant Daffodils?

The rule is three times as deep as the height of the bulb. Six to eight inches works for the big-bulbed Daffs. Much shallower for the mini’s and smaller bulbs. Season of bloom and rate of increase can also be manipulated by adjusting planting depth. For instance, to get earlier bloom or faster increase, plant bulbs a little more shallow than recommended. For later bloom and slower increase, plant bulbs a little deeper, provided your soil is will drained. Remember, these are rules and exceptions may apply. How far apart do you space Daffodils? This depends of the effect you wish to achieve, and also upon which variety, because bulb sizes vary considerably. A minimum distance would be 3-6 inches. For informal plantings, set the bulbs further apart and in a random pattern.

Can Daffodils be naturalized among trees?

Light deciduous woodland affords an ideal location for Daffodils which, under such conditions, thrive and increase abundantly. Plant them at the fringes of the tree branches but never to the north of a tree, never under evergreens and never in deep shade.

Should I mulch over my Daffodils?

Yes, if you like. Mulch will serve in many way. It will keep weeds at bay, stabilize soil temperature thus preventing or minimizing winter freeze and thaw cycles, conserve soil moisture, enrich the soil as it decomposes and keep mud from splattering on the flowers. Any loose, organic mulch will serve well. Common in this area are straw, hardwood mulch, leafmold or compost.

Do I need to fertilize my daffodils?

If your soil is fertile it may be unnecessary. However, most growers do fertilize annually with a low nitrogen formula. Potato fertilizer or something similar, such as 6-24-24 is appropriate of Daffs. Avoid bulb booster, 9-9-6, which is best suited to tulips and avoid manure products. Top dressing lightly with fertilizer in fall and at spring emergence is a common practice. Be careful that the bulb does not come in contact with fertilizer granules as this con promote decay of the bulb.

How can I learn more about daffodils in my area?

For starters, you can join KDS and the American Daffodil Society. Also, other sources are The Daffodil Journal, published by the American Daffodil Society, and borrowing books from members in your local Daffodil organization (KDS). There are a number of round robins available to join, each consisting of ten members who contribute in turn, letters relating their experiences and discussing problems which they have encountered or which others have raised. A Daffodil Internet discussion forum known as DAFFNET, can be easily accessed by following the steps outlined on the web site you will see by clicking on the word DAFFNET.