Daffodil (Narcissus spp. Although bulbs can handle cold weather and can survive winters in the ground, there are times when you may want to take them out of the ground and store them until it’s time to plant them again.
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For example, if your garden is in a warmer area than Zone 9 and outside of their hardiness range, they’ll need to be kept in the fridge for a few weeks to make them bloom again.
Or maybe you need to divide an overgrown clump, or you just want to use the same spot for new plants, like bedding plants or summer flowers.
Whatever your reasons, it’s easy to dig up, cure, and store bulbs so they’ll bloom again next year!
Daffodils are a classic spring flower that bloom brightly right when we need them most – just as the dark winter is ending. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in sunny shades of yellow, white, orange, pink, and more. Daffodils are also one of the easiest bulbs to grow, as they thrive with minimal care. But in order to enjoy their cheery flowers each year, you need to store the bulbs properly after they finish flowering.
Learning how to save daffodil bulbs over the summer is crucial for having them return and flower year after year. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about digging up daffodil bulbs, curing them, and storing them in the off-season until it’s time to replant in fall.
When to Dig Up Daffodil Bulbs
The first step is knowing when to dig up the bulbs. This should be done after the daffodils have finished flowering for the season, once the blooms and stems die back and turn brown. The foliage will start to yellow and wither as well.
Wait to dig up daffodil bulbs until the leaves have dried up completely, which usually occurs 6-8 weeks after flowering ends. The leaves need time after blooming to photosynthesize sunlight and send nutrients back down to the underground bulb, which will be stored as energy for next year’s bloom.
Digging up the bulbs too early can damage them or reduce flowering the following season. Be patient and allow the foliage to die down naturally. In most climates this means digging up bulbs in early summer (late May or June).
How to Dig and Clean Daffodil Bulbs
Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig around and under each bulb clump. Lift them gently from the ground, avoiding slicing through the bulbs themselves.
Remove any excess dirt by gently brushing or shaking it off the bulbs Do not wash them or get the bulbs wet at this stage Make sure all soil is removed from the roots as any remaining dirt can cause the bulbs to rot during storage,
Inspect the bulbs and discard any that are damaged, diseased, or moldy Healthy bulbs will be firm and intact Separate any bulblets or offsets from the main bulb grouping. These small bulbs can be replanted separately in fall.
Curing and Drying Daffodil Bulbs
Before you can store daffodil bulbs properly, they need to be cured. Curing means allowing the outer skin to further dry out and toughen up. This protective later helps prevent rot during storage.
Place dug-up bulbs in a single layer on newspaper or mesh screen in a well-ventilated, shaded spot. Turn the bulbs every few days and let cure for 1-2 weeks. Once fully cured, the outer bulb covering will feel papery and be flaky.
If there is any residual mud stuck to bulbs after digging, allow to dry completely before curing. Brush off any dirt once fully hardened. Never store bulbs that are still moist or damp.
How to Store Daffodil Bulbs for Replanting
Once cured, daffodil bulbs are ready for proper summer storage. The goals are keeping them dry, cool, and dormant until fall planting time. Here are the best storage methods:
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Place bulbs in a breathable bag like mesh, burlap, or paper. Plastic bags trap moisture and can cause mold or rotting.
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Use a storage container like a wire basket, crate, or cardboard box. Make sure it has ventilation holes.
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Layer bulbs in barely-damp peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite medium. This helps absorb any moisture while still allowing air circulation.
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Store in a cool, dark place around 60-65°F like a basement, unheated garage, or cellar.
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Keep bulbs away from direct sunlight and extreme heat which can degrade them.
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Check bulbs every 2-3 weeks and discard any that show signs of mold or damage.
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Leaving bulbs loose in a bag or box allows for the best airflow. Don’t pile up bulbs or pack them too densely.
Proper curing and favorable storage conditions will help ensure daffodil bulbs remain intact until fall planting.
When to Plant Daffodil Bulbs in Fall
Daffodil bulbs require a cold dormancy period of 12-15 weeks minimum in order to bloom properly the following spring. This cold conditioning initiates the biological process that triggers flowering.
The ideal time for planting stored daffodil bulbs is 6-8 weeks before your average first frost date. This gives them enough chilling time in the ground over winter.
For most regions, aim to plant bulbs in late September through October. In warmer climates, early November planting may work as well. Prep the soil and plant bulbs at the correct depth according to package directions.
Storing Bulbs Long Term Over Multiple Seasons
With proper post-bloom care, daffodil bulbs can be lifted and replanted annually for many years. But if you don’t want to dig them up every year, bulbs can also be left in the ground and stored “in situ”.
To overwinter bulbs in the ground:
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Make sure the soil stays dry throughout summer. Watering can stimulate premature growth.
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Cover beds with mulch after the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving.
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Avoid planting in hot, humid climates where bulbs may rot over summer if not dug up.
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Lift and store bulbs every 2-3 years and replant with new soil to revitalize.
Repeat blooming is possible for 5 years or longer before flowering decreases and the bulbs need dividing. Store bulbs properly each year for best results.
Troubleshooting Issues with Stored Daffodil Bulbs
With proper harvesting, curing, and storage, daffodil bulbs should remain in good shape for fall planting. But issues can sometimes arise:
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Mold or rotting – Indicates too much moisture during curing or storage. Discard affected bulbs and improve drying/ventilation.
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Shriveled bulbs – Caused by insufficient watering after planting, or storing bulbs in too hot/dry conditions.
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Weak flowering – Can occur after storing bulbs too long or improperly. Always plant stored bulbs in fall.
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No flowering – Usually the result of digging up bulbs too early before foliage fully dies back, damaging them.
As long as you follow best practices for planting and off-season storage, you can enjoy repeat blooms from daffodil bulbs for years to come. Just be sure to treat them right when they’re dormant!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store daffodil bulbs in the refrigerator?
Storing daffodil bulbs in the refrigerator is not recommended. Fridge conditions are too cold and moist, risking damage to the bulbs. Cool, dark places like a garage or basement are best.
How do you keep daffodil bulbs from rotting when storing?
Prevent rotting by curing bulbs fully until papery and bone dry after digging up. Store in breathable containers with ventilation. Avoid excess moisture and high humidity. Discard any bulbs that show mold or signs of decay before planting.
Do daffodil bulbs need to be stored before planting?
In most climates, it is best practice to dig up and properly store daffodil bulbs over summer until fall planting time. However, bulbs can be left in the ground if the soil stays sufficiently cool and dry. Replanting stored bulbs annually helps maintain vigor.
Can daffodil bulbs be stored in soil?
Bulbs should not be stored long-term in garden soil, as the moisture can cause them to rot. It’s fine to plant bulbs directly into prepared soil in fall. Otherwise, store cured bulbs over summer in dry vermiculite/peat moss or similar breathable medium.
How do you wake up stored daffodil bulbs before planting?
No pre-planting wakeup process is needed. Plant stored, cured bulbs directly into soil in fall. The natural cold dormancy period in the ground will properly stimulate their growth cycle before spring emergence.
Following the proper storage methods outlined above will keep your daffodil bulbs healthy and viable until it’s time to get them back in the ground. With this guidance, you’ll be rewarded with cheerful flowers year after year.
How and When to Lift Daffodil Bulbs
It’s important to let the long, strappy leaves grow, turn yellow, and fall off on their own for strong, colorful bulbs with lots of flowers.
Cutting back the green leaves takes away the bulbs’ photosynthesis energy, which they need to grow big and healthy so they can make it through the winter.
For the best results, deadhead faded flowers promptly to concentrate energy into the bulbs.
The dying leaves may look messy, but they only last for a short time. They usually fall off about six weeks after they flower.
Once the foliage is brown and dry, cut it away at soil level.
To lift, carefully lift a large clump of bulbs and soil by putting a spade or trowel several inches away from the bulbs. Leaving a large margin of soil around the bulbs helps prevent accidental damage.
Shake the clump and use your fingers to crumble away the soil. Gently pull the bulbs apart.
Put them somewhere warm and dry that isn’t in direct sunlight for a few hours to dry.
Once they feel dry to the touch, use your fingers or a soft brush to remove any remaining soil. Be sure to keep the brown papery covering (the tunic), and throw away any stock that is soft, moldy, or damaged.
Trim the roots close to the basal plate with clean, sharp scissors or garden shears. Trimming the roots helps to prevent early growth while still in storage.
Bulbs can be dug up any time after the foliage is dead and prior to the ground freezing.
They can spend up to 14 weeks in the fridge if you need to, though, and then you can plant them again in the fall.
Before storing, it’s helpful to cure them for about a week.
Curing gets rid of extra water, which makes a bulb last longer and keeps problems like bacterial rot and mold from happening.
They should be laid out flat on a large piece of cardboard, a screen, or a tray to dry. Place in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight and with good air circulation.
Every day for a week, turn the bulbs 90 degrees so they dry evenly. Then, put them away.
For extra protection against disease and pests, it’s helpful to sprinkle the bulbs with garden sulfur after they’re fully cured.
You can find Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide in one- or four-pound options at Arbico Organics.
If you’re storing multiple types, be sure to note each cultivar’s name on the containers.
For up to six weeks of storage, put them in a mesh or net bag, an open-weave basket, or a bin. Keep them somewhere cool and dry, away from drafts and heat sources.
If you want to keep them for a while, put them in a paper bag, basket, or bin and make sure they don’t touch any coconut coir, peat moss, or sawdust from untreated wood. The packing material acts as a cushion and keeps the bulbs from drying out too much.
Close the bags loosely and leave lids off of bins to prevent condensation. Place them in a cool, dark, and dry location like a cellar, garage, or shed.
It’s best to store them between 55°F and 65°F, but they can handle temperatures as low as 40°F.
Before planting, check them again and discard any that have gone soft or moldy.