Overcrowding, a decline in bloom quality, or just a desire for an exciting new garden design -“ there are many reasons to need to move and divide daffodils. Moving and dividing the bulbs remains integral to growing daffodils, well worth getting the hang of.
Daffodils are one of the most popular spring flowers, providing cheerful bursts of color after a long winter. These hardy bulbs are often planted in clumps and clusters, which can lead to overcrowding over time. This results in smaller blooms and congested plantings.
The solution is to dig up and divide the bulbs every few years. The ideal time for this task is early spring right after they have finished flowering. With proper technique, you can successfully transplant your bulbs to increase flowering and maintain healthy daffodil plants.
When to Dig Up Daffodil Bulbs
Timing is crucial when it comes to digging up daffodil bulbs. Here are some guidelines on when it’s best to dig and divide them:
-
Early Spring – The optimal window is when the foliage has mostly turned yellow or brown after flowering, but still has some green. This indicates the bulbs have stored enough energy to bloom next year.
-
6-8 Weeks After Blooming – Allow at least 6 weeks after the blooms have faded before digging up bulbs. This allows the foliage to photosynthesize and rejuvenate the bulbs.
-
Before Foliage Dies Back Completely – The green foliage makes it easier to locate the bulbs in the soil. Once leaves turn completely brown, bulbs are difficult to find.
-
Avoid In-Bloom or In-Leaf Periods – Digging up bulbs while in bloom or when foliage is still growing risks damaging next year’s flower buds or interrupting photosynthesis.
How to Dig and Divide Daffodil Bulbs
Follow these steps for successfully digging and dividing daffodil bulbs:
Gather Supplies
Before starting. have these supplies on hand
- Gardening fork or shovel
- Hand trowel
- Garden knife or snips
- Container for storing/transporting bulbs
- Newspaper or drying racks
- Labels to organize varieties
Water Area Well
Thoroughly water the area to be dug 1-2 days beforehand. This makes digging easier in moist soil.
Loosen Bulbs
Insert shovel or fork 6 inches away from bulb clump. Push down on the handle to loosen soil and roots underneath.
Lift Entire Clump
Once loose, gently lift the entire clump using both hands – one under bulbs, one holding leaves.
Remove Excess Dirt
Gently shake or brush clump to remove excess soil and expose bulbs.
Divide Bulbs
Break bulbs apart into smaller clusters by twisting and pulling while holding base of leaves. Discard any diseased bulbs.
Trim Foliage
Trim foliage to about 1-2 inches above bulbs with a knife or shears.
Transplant or Store
Replant divided bulbs right away at proper depth. Or store properly in a cool spot until fall planting. Keep varieties organized and labeled.
Storing Daffodil Bulbs for Replanting
If dividing bulbs in spring to replant in fall, follow these summer storage tips:
-
Allow bulbs to dry on newspaper or racks for 1-2 weeks after digging.
-
Remove any remaining foliage once dried, don’t wash bulbs.
-
Place in breathable mesh bags and label bags by variety.
-
Keep bulbs in a cool (60-65°F), dry spot. Avoid refrigerating.
-
Check periodically for rotting or mold and discard affected bulbs.
-
In fall, replant stored bulbs when nighttime temperatures cool.
Transplanting Divided Bulbs
Follow these guidelines when replanting divided daffodil bulbs:
-
Prepare planting area in advance with well-draining soil.
-
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep – 3 times their height.
-
Space bulbs 2-3 inches apart – 3 times their width.
-
Firm soil around bulbs and water thoroughly after planting.
-
Consider mulching area to conserve moisture.
-
Keep varieties organized when transplanting divided bulbs.
Troubleshooting Digging and Dividing Issues
Here are some common problems and solutions when dividing daffodil bulbs:
-
No Flowers After Dividing: Wait the recommended time before digging to allow foliage to rejuvenate bulbs fully.
-
Can’t Find Bulbs: Don’t wait until all foliage browns to start digging, some green helps locate bulbs.
-
Small Blooms: Ensure bulbs are replanted at proper depth and spacing when transplanting.
-
Rotting Bulbs: Allow bulbs to dry fully before storage, check for mold or decay periodically while storing.
-
Sprouting in Storage: Avoid refrigerating, keep bulbs in a cool 60°F spot to prevent premature growth.
Final Tips for Dividing Daffodils
Follow these tips for successful daffodil bulb dividing and transplanting:
-
Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging bulbs.
-
Label bulbs carefully by variety and organize them when dividing.
-
Handle bulbs gently and take care not to cut or bruise them.
-
Allow foliage to yellow before digging clumps for dividing.
-
Dry and store bulbs properly over summer before replanting in fall.
-
Water and mulch transplanted bulbs well when replanted in fall.
Digging up and dividing crowded daffodil clumps allows you to expand these cheerful spring bloomers in your garden. By following the proper techniques and timing, you can keep bulbs healthy and flowering at their best for years to come.
When to Transplant Daffodils
Daffodils can be lifted year round, even when “in the green,” although moving them while they bloom often means losing out on the following years bloom. When the leaves have mostly, but not all turned brown -“ the period of late spring to early summer -“ is ideal for the job. The bulbs have prepped up for next spring and the leaves can easily guide you to the bulbs location.
Your cart is empty
By Vishu Sharma Aug 29, 2024
Overcrowding, a decline in bloom quality, or just a desire for an exciting new garden design -“ there are many reasons to need to move and divide daffodils. Moving and dividing the bulbs remains integral to growing daffodils, well worth getting the hang of.
How to Lift and Divide Daffodils in the Green… in Spring! | Solve Your Daffodil Problems!
FAQ
Can you dig up daffodil bulbs in the spring?
-
Timing is Key:The ideal time to dig up daffodil bulbs is when the leaves have begun to yellow and flop over, but before they have completely turned brown.
-
Why Wait?The green foliage absorbs sunlight, providing energy that the bulbs will use to create new blooms the following year.
-
Digging and Storing:
- Remove the wilted blooms.
- Carefully lift the bulbs from the ground, digging several inches away from the plant to avoid slicing into them.
- Brush off excess soil and discard any soft, damaged, or moldy bulbs.
- Place the bulbs in a warm, dry location for a few hours, or until the outer covering is dry and papery.
- Remove the wilted blooms.
-
Dividing Daffodils:If you want to divide or move your daffodil bulbs, this is the time to do it.
- As the years pass, daffodil clusters will multiply in number.
- You can divide the bulbs away from the mother bulb and plant them separately to prevent overcrowding.
- Daffodil bulbs that have not bloomed out do not tolerate transplanting very well, but they can usually recover in a year, with blooms gradually improving over time.
- As the years pass, daffodil clusters will multiply in number.
-
Replanting:
- You can replant the bulbs in the fall, just before winter.
- If you’re storing the bulbs, place them in a cool, dark location until planting time.
- You can replant the bulbs in the fall, just before winter.
-
Benefits of Digging and Storing:
- It allows you to move the bulbs to a new location.
- It can help prevent bulbs from being damaged when digging over beds.
- It allows you to plant something different in the same space for the summer, replanting daffodils in fall.
- It allows you to move the bulbs to a new location.
Can daffodils be dug up and replanted?
Daffodils can be dug up and replanted as soon as the foliage dies back (turns brown) in early summer. Daffodils can also be dug up and replanted in fall (October). If you would like to move daffodil bulbs in fall, mark the site when the foliage is present so the bulbs can be located in October.
What to do after digging up daffodil bulbs?
Summer Storage. Once you have exhumed the bulbs, you have two choices: replant them immediately or store them for replanting in the fall.
Can I dig up bulbs and replant in spring?
Bulbs as well as perennials should be dug and divided in early spring, or in the fall when the plants are dormant.Apr 29, 1998
When should you dig up daffodil bulbs?
Choose the right time: The best time to dig up daffodil bulbs is after the foliage has died back naturally. Typically, this occurs in late spring or early summer. Waiting until this time ensures that the bulbs are dormant and have stored enough energy for the next growing season.
How do you dig up daffodil bulbs?
Digging up daffodil bulbs is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dig up your daffodil bulbs: Wait for the foliage to die back: Before digging up your daffodil bulbs, it’s important to wait until the foliage has turned yellow and died back completely.
How do you divide daffodils?
The best time is when the foliage has begun to die back. This feeds the bulb and will ensure healthy bulbs with plenty of stored sugar for the next season’s growth. A large shovel is the best tool for dividing daffodils. Dig around them and then scoop under the clump gently. The idea is to not cut into the bulbs, which can invite rot and mildew.
How do you divide daffodil bulbs in spring?
Follow these steps for successfully digging and dividing daffodil bulbs in spring: Before digging, have these supplies ready: Thoroughly soak the area to be dug 1-2 days before to loosen soil and make digging easier. Insert shovel or fork 6 inches away from bulb clump. Push down on handle to loosen soil and roots underneath.
How do you replant daffodils?
Follow these steps to replant daffodils in your garden. Digging up daffodils for dividing and transplanting – we actually replanted them after burying our sweet goldfish. Dig up daffodil bulbs from your garden. Use a shovel to dig around them and finally underneath, popping up a chunk of soil filled with daffodil bulbs.
Can You transplant daffodils the same day you dig?
If you know where you want the extra daffodils to go, you can transplant them the same day you dig them. This applies to those dug in the spring or fall. Choose a location with well-draining soil and full to partial sun. Dig a hole that’s twice as deep as the bulb’s height. For example, dig a two-inch hole if a bulb is an inch tall.