Overcrowding, declining in bloom quality or just a desire for an exciting new garden design—there are many reasons a gardener may choose to move and divide daffodil bulbs. Most daffodil bulbs will multiply over time, so learning how to transplant them is worthwhile. Transplanting your daffodil bulbs and moving them to a new place means that you can expand your garden or fill your yard with a naturalized stinzenplanten scheme—and enjoy more flowers with each passing year.
Follow the steps below to know when to transplant, how to transplant and how to store bulbs for planting at a later date.
When to Transplant Daffodil Bulbs
Typically, daffodils are divided every 3–5 years, when the plants become crowded, or if the quality or quantity of blooms has deteriorated.
The best time to transplant daffodils is about eight weeks after flowering, when the leaves have mostly turned brown. This typically falls in late spring or early summer, depending on the variety. At this time, the bulbs have stored their needed energy for next spring, and the leaves can guide you to the bulbs' location.
Can I transplant daffodils in the spring? Daffodils can be lifted year-round, even when actively growing. However, moving them while they are in bloom often means losing out on the following year's bloom.
How to Transplant Daffodil Bulbs
Follow this step-by-step guide to divide and transplant daffodil bulbs
Preparation—What to Know Before You Dig Up Bulbs:
- If you wish to replant right away,choose an overcast day to avoid sun damage. Before digging up bulbs, dig the holes where you will plant the bulbs. Dig the new holes at least three times larger than the clump's previous home to give enough space for replanting.
- If you intend to replant bulbs at a later time, follow the steps below to store them properly.
Steps for Lifting and Dividing Bulbs:
- Use a shovel or pick to dig into the ground several inches away from the bulb clump. Work your way around, taking care you don't accidentally cut into the bulbs.
- Lift the clump and gently shake off excess soil to reveal the bulbs.
- Divide daffodil bulbs by twisting and pulling them off the clump. It usually takes a slight tug to separate the roots from the clump
- Dispose of any damaged or mushy bulbs.
Steps for Replanting Daffodil Bulbs:
- Plant bulbs in the new site at the recommended depth (two to three times the bulb height), making sure the leafy growth is above the soil line while the bulb and white stem are beneath it.
- Water well after replanting.
Steps for Storing Daffodil Bulbs:
- Lay out the bulbs with their leaves attached, indoors, on clean dry newspapers. Leave them alone for 7–10 days.
- Remove the leaves when they're crisp and brown and gently brush off any dirt that's still sticking to the bulbs. Go easy: there's no need to wash the bulbs or to get them absolutely spot free.
- Place the bulbs in nylon or mesh bags (cleaned onion sacks will do just fine, too) and then label them.
- The best way to store daffodil bulbs after moving them is to store them in a cool, dry and ventilated location. This will keep them dormant until you are ready to plant.
- Come fall, take out the bulbs and inspect them. A soft bulb is a dead bulb and should be safely disposed of.
- Plant the good bulbs in suitable locations about 4-6" inches deep. Water thoroughly immediately afterward.