Daffodil bulbs periodically need to be lifted from the soil to ensure their continued health and vigorous blooming. This process is most often necessary when the plants become overcrowded, leading to a decline in flower production, typically every three to five years. Gardeners also lift the bulbs to move them to a new location or to store them over the summer for replanting in the autumn. The procedure involves careful timing and specific preparation steps to protect the bulb’s structure.
Knowing When to Dig
The timing for digging daffodil bulbs is directly related to the plant’s natural energy cycle. Digging should only occur after the foliage has naturally begun to yellow and collapse, but before it has completely withered away and disappeared from view. This generally happens six to eight weeks after the plant has finished flowering, typically in late spring or early summer.
The green leaves are actively performing photosynthesis during this post-bloom period, transferring the energy and nutrients back down into the bulb for next year’s flower development. Removing the foliage too early severely reduces the food reserves, which will result in weak growth or a complete failure to bloom the following spring. Waiting for the leaves to turn mostly brown but still be visible serves a dual purpose: signaling that the energy transfer is complete and providing a natural marker for locating the bulbs underground.
Proper Excavation Techniques
Removing the daffodil bulbs requires careful technique to prevent damage to the bulb’s protective outer layer or its root system. A garden fork or a flat-bladed spade is the preferred tool for lifting, as these are less likely to slice through the bulbs than a sharp trowel. To avoid severing the bulb, the initial insertion of the tool should be made several inches away from the visible foliage, typically about six inches from the center of the clump.
Gently push the fork or spade straight down into the soil, then use the handle to lever the soil and the entire bulb clump upward. This action loosens the soil around the deep-set bulbs without directly contacting them. Once the clump is loosened, carefully lift the entire mass from the ground by hand, using the remaining foliage as a handle. For bulbs that are planted particularly deep, you may need to repeat the loosening process around the perimeter of the clump before attempting to lift.
Cleaning, Curing, and Dividing
After the bulbs are excavated, they require preparation for storage or replanting. The first step involves gently removing the bulk of the soil by lightly shaking the clump or brushing the bulbs with your fingers or a soft brush. Avoid washing the bulbs with water, as excess moisture encourages the growth of mold and fungal rot during storage.
Next, the bulbs must be cured. Lay the bulbs in a single, shallow layer on a flat surface, such as a screen or cardboard, in a shaded area with good air circulation. This curing process should last for a few days up to a week, allowing any remaining moisture to evaporate and the tunic, the brown papery skin, to dry completely. Once cured, the clumps can be divided by gently pulling apart the offsets, which are smaller daughter bulbs, from the main mother bulb. If the offsets do not separate easily, they should be left attached, as forcing them can cause injury.
Storing Bulbs Until Planting
After cleaning and curing, the daffodil bulbs are ready for storage until the autumn planting season. The ideal storage environment is a location that is cool, dry, and dark, such as a garage, shed, or basement. Temperatures should be maintained between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent premature sprouting or damage.
The chosen storage container must allow for adequate air circulation to prevent the buildup of humidity, which can lead to rot. Excellent options include mesh bags, paper bags, or ventilated cardboard boxes, but plastic bags or sealed containers should be avoided. The bulbs should be placed in a single layer or a very shallow double layer within the container to maximize airflow around each one. Checking the stored bulbs periodically for any signs of softness or mold is advisable, and any damaged bulbs should be discarded immediately to protect the rest of the batch.