A Guide to Digging Up and Dividing Daffodil Bulbs in the Spring

With their cheery yellow blooms signaling the start of spring daffodils are a cherished flower for many gardeners. But over time, clumps may become overcrowded blooms decline, or you may simply want to redesign your garden landscape. This often necessitates digging up and dividing the bulbs.

When is the right time to dig up daffodils, and what’s the proper technique to successfully divide and transplant them? This guide covers everything you need to know about managing daffodil bulbs during this process in spring.

When to Dig Up and Divide Daffodil Bulbs

Timing is important when it comes to digging and dividing bulbs Here are the optimal timeframes

• Late spring to early summer – The ideal window is when foliage has mostly finished dying back, turning yellow or brown, but still has some green. This indicates the plants have stored enough energy to bloom next year.

• After blooms fade – Wait 6-8 weeks after flowers have finished before digging. This allows foliage to photosynthesize and rejuvenate bulbs.

• Before leaves fully brown – Foliage guides you to where bulbs are located underground. If leaves brown completely, bulbs are difficult to find.

• Avoid in-bloom or in-leaf – Digging at these times risks removing next year’s flower buds or diminishes photosynthesis needed for future bloom.

How to Dig and Divide Daffodil Bulbs

Follow these steps for successfully digging and dividing daffodil bulbs in spring:

Gather Supplies

Before digging, have these supplies ready:

• Gardening fork or shovel
• Hand trowel
• Garden knife or snips
• Container for storing/transporting bulbs
• Newspaper or drying racks
• Labels to identify varieties

Water Area Well

• Thoroughly soak the area to be dug 1-2 days before to loosen soil and make digging easier.

Loosen the Roots

• Insert shovel or fork 6 inches away from bulb clump. Push down on handle to loosen soil and roots underneath.

Lift Entire Clump

• Once loosened, gently lift the entire clump out using both hands – one under bulbs, one holding leaves.

Shake Off Excess Dirt

• Gently shake or brush clump to remove excess soil and reveal bulbs.

Twist and Divide Bulbs

• Break bulbs apart into smaller clusters by twisting and pulling apart while holding base of leaves.

• Discard any bulbs that are damaged or diseased.

Trim Foliage

• Cut off foliage to about 1-2 inches above bulbs with knife or shears.

Transplant or Store Bulbs

• Replant divided bulbs immediately at proper depth or store properly in cool spot until fall planting.

• Keep varieties organized and labeled throughout process.

Storing Daffodil Bulbs for Replanting

If dividing bulbs in spring to replant in fall, proper summer storage is vital:

• Lay bulbs out in single layer on newspaper or racks to air dry for 1-2 weeks.

• Remove any remaining foliage once fully dried and rub off excess dirt. Do not wash bulbs.

• Place bulbs in breathable mesh bags or onion sacks. Label bags by variety.

• Keep bulbs in cool (60-65°F), dry spot through summer. Avoid refrigerating.

• Check periodically for mold or rotting. Discard affected bulbs.

• In fall, replant stored bulbs at proper depth once nighttime temperatures cool.

Transplanting Divided Daffodil Bulbs

For successful transplanting after dividing bulbs:

• Prepare planting area in advance with well-draining soil.

• Plant divided bulbs 3 times their height deep, about 6 inches for most varieties.

• Space bulbs 3 times their width apart, approximately 2-3 inches between bulbs.

• Press soil firmly around transplanted bulbs to remove air pockets.

• Water thoroughly after planting to settle roots.

• Consider mulching area with pine needles or bark to conserve moisture.

Troubleshooting Problems with Dividing Daffodils

Here are some common issues and solutions:

No flowers the season after dividing – Allow foliage to fully rejuvenate bulbs before digging. Wait 6-8 weeks after blooms finish.

Difficulty finding bulbs – Don’t wait until foliage completely browns to start digging, some green helps locate bulbs.

Small or no blooms the following spring – Ensure bulbs are planted at proper depth and spacing when replanting.

Rotting bulbs during storage – Allow bulbs to thoroughly air dry before storage, check periodically for mold or decay.

Leafing out or sprouting in storage – Avoid refrigerating bulbs, keep them in cool spot around 60°F to prevent premature growth.

Storing and Replanting Daffodil Bulbs in Fall

• Ideal time to plant bulbs is when nighttime temperatures average 50-60°F.

• In fall, choose planting site with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.

• Dig holes or trenches 3 times the bulb’s height, set bulbs in and backfill soil.

• Space bulbs 3 times their width apart, about 2-3 inches for most types.

• Water thoroughly after planting and add protective mulch layer like bark or needles.

Final Tips for Successfully Dividing Daffodils

• Always wait the recommended time after blooms fade to dig bulbs.

• Ensure sharp tools to prevent damaging bulbs and foliage.

• Label bulbs by variety when dividing to keep them organized.

• Handle bulbs gently during dividing and transplanting process.

• Store properly over summer by allowing bulbs to fully dry before storage.

• When replanting in fall, water and mulch transplanted bulbs well.

Dividing crowded daffodil clumps gives you more of these classic spring bloomers to expand garden beauty. Follow proper timing and techniques when digging and dividing to keep bulbs healthy, with abundant flowers for years to come.