Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/28/2008

Question
3 Years ago i planted daffodil bulbs - the first year the flowers were beautiful then last year and again this year I got leaves but no flowers.  Can you tell me possible causes for this?  I live in Southern Ontario (Canada)

Answer
Judy,
Here are the things that can cause what you're seeing - you can think about which one (or more) might be the reason in your case.

1. In order to have the energy needed to make blooms the following year a daffodil must make that energy in the leaves and store it in the bulb. If anything prevents the foliage from doing this job, the bulb doesn't have the "oomph" to make a flower the next season. If the foliage is cut off or braided, knotted or otherwise disturbed before it naturally dies then the bulb won't have the energy replenished. Or if the plants are in too much shade so that the foliage doesn't get any sun for photosynthesis then again the bulb doesn't get enough stored energy.  

2. If the soil doesn't have many nutrients (such as when it's pure sand) then again the bulb won't be fed enough to make flowers next year. Or if the pH of the soil is way too acid or alkaline then the plant won't be able to take up the nutrients that are there.  If your soil is very sandy amend with compost and/or composted manure before planting bulbs.  Have the pH of your soil checked to see if it's between 6 and 7 (good pH for bulbs)

3. There is an insect called the Narcissus bulb fly that lays its egg at the base of the foliage and the larvae eats the top of the bulb out.  You can tell if this is what your problem is by digging up a bulb and looking at the tip - if it's hallow and eaten out of the top this is the problem. (No good least toxic control for this insect.)  This insect is rare although I don't know if it's common in your area or not.

I hope this helps!
C.L.