Now is the time to think about daffodils

By Hugh Earnhart

OSU Extension master gardener volunteer

The soil temperature is falling, days are getting shorter, and birds are starting their flight south. It is time to think about daffodils swaying in the breeze.

Daffodils are among the most adaptable bulbs. They are hardy and dependable, demand little in the way of care, and will bloom blithely year after year.

Always purchase healthy solid bulbs. Those that are soft usually suggest basal rot or disease.

Daffodils will grow in dappled shade, but perform best when they receive six to eight hours of full sun.

Bulbs planted in deep shade usually do not bloom well after the first year.

Moisture is important from the time of planting in the fall to blooming in the spring.

Daffodil leaves should never be cut or braided until they turn yellow. The leaves are essential in re-establishing the food necessary to produce a flower the following year. When the foliage has died, it is best to remove it and prepare for next year’s growth. This is accomplished by mulching to preserve moisture, control weeds, and keep the ground cool during the summer months.

Mulching also protects the flower from dirt during spring rains.

When grown under natural conditions, daffodils produce their new root growth in the late summer and early autumn. The ideal time for planting is during the dormant period. This occurs after the foliage has yellowed, and before active root growth is launched. If old clumps of daffodils are to be divided, it should be done during this rest season.

Bulbs purchased from commercial growers are usually shipped in early fall and should be planted as soon as possible after they arrive so as to take advantage of the growing weather.

The depth of planting will vary according to the size of the bulb. A general rule is to cover each bulb twice its own depth with soil. The small bulbs at 1-3 inches deep, the larger bulbs from the trumpet varieties at 6-8 inches deep. The small bulbs should be about 5 inches apart and the larger bulbs 9 inches apart.

Daffodils may be grown in almost any type of soil as long as it drains well and has a pH of 6-6.5. An application of well-rotten manure is beneficial in increasing soil fertility. The fertilizer should not come into contact with the bulb.

Composting is a necessity in good horticulture practice.