There's something so pleasing about seeing daffodils bloom after winter is over. They add a touch of color to early spring days when many other plants are still quiet. With a little careful preparation, you can have beautiful groupings of these happy flowers to brighten your spring mornings.
It's too bad that you have to plan so far in advance to enjoy daffodils in your garden. If you buy bulbs in the summer, store them in a cool, airy place. Wait until the soil cools down in the fall before you plant.
Daffodils like somewhat acidic soil. If you're not sure about your soil, it's a good idea to do a soil test, and then amend your soil as needed. Since daffodils also like good drainage, turn your soil about 12 inches deep and add organic material, such as Miracle-Gro® Organic Choice® Garden Soil. Hillsides or raised beds are good sites for daffodil groupings.
Plant the bulb pointy side up at least 6 inches deep. In sandy soils, go a little deeper. Once planted, water your daffodil bulbs well, until fall rains take over.
When your bulbs first start sprouting, start feeding them with a plant food such as Miracle Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food. After flowering, keep watering your bulbs for 2-3 weeks and then stop. This will help ease the bulbs back into dormancy.
After blooming, your daffodil plants will turn yellow. At that point, it's safe to cut them back. Some experts also recommend digging up the bulbs at this point, washing and drying them, and storing them in a cool, airy place until replanting them in the fall.
