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Bulbs/Daffodil Bulbs

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 9/12/2007


Question
I live in upstate New York. I just dug some of my daffodil bulbs. I discovered a lot of tiny white things around the bulbs. They look like corms that glads have. Are these just baby daffodil bulbs? Are they worth planting and what can I expect from them? Thanks

Answer
All Bulbs are classified as 'Tunicated' or 'non-Tunicated'.  Daffodils, Garlic, Onions, Tulips and Hyacinths are Tunicated.  There is a dry outer layer that forms a protective cover (like a 'tunic') to make the Bulb tougher.  Small offsets -- little 'Bulblets' -- emerging from the 'mother' bulb is typical of SOME hardy Spring flowering Bulbs, including Daffodils.  Bulblets form naturally, more often in light soils than in heavy Clay, and when shallowly planted.  If you slice off the Daffodil Bulblets and plant them, they will eventually grow to flowering size.

For the record, Lilies are an example of non-Tunicated Bulbs.  They do not make Bulblets.  Glads, being Corms, are not Bulbs.

One more thing:  Daffodils are more likely to perennialize in your Garden than Tulips, and also highly unlikely to be eaten by hungry Squirrels as they are poisonous.

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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