Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 5/11/2004

Question
Over the years I have planted a lot of daffolil bulbs in my yard.  Some are no longer blooming in the spring although they send up plenty of healthy green leaves.  One batch, planted on the north side of the house, gets little if any direct sun.  They previously had blooms but this year made a very poor showing.
I have not fertilized these or any other daffodils that do get more sun.  Is that what this  particular bunch needs to assure blooms?  I always let them grow until the leaves die back in June, never tying them off or otherwise restricting their post-bloom growth.  

Answer
Daffodils need plenty of fertilizer and sunshine to flower in subsequent years. initially, bulbs will flower even in rather dense shade, but since the bulbs in years to follow need the foliage to conduct photosynthesis (e.g. convert the suns energy into foodstuffs) a good portion of sun is required for reblooming. Also, daffodils tend to form very dense root nets and require additional fertilizer in years to come.

I recommend digging up the bulbs this spring. seperate the smaller bulbs from the larger, and replant the larger bulbs 6" deep and spaced 5 per sq foot maximum. mix in plenty of compost into the planting hole. Use a good quality bulb or annual plant fertilizer when planting. Move the bulbs from the north side of the house to more sun.

In future, fertilize the area with the daffodils in early fall, in early spring (as they poke their head above ground) and in late spring, just as they are about to flower. The best time to dig and seperate daffodils is late summer, but I prefer to do it this spring when the green foliage can lead you to the bulbs. just don't cut the foliage and replant at same dept as they are planted today.

As most of the growing season is finished for this year, you may still not get flowers next spring; even if you divide (dig and seperate) the bulbs now. However, fertilize the bulbs next spring as recommended and they should flower the following year.

Daffodils must be fertilized 2-3 times per year to re-flower. they must also be dug and seperated (especially if planted too close) as the spreading habit can crowd each other and thus reduce flowering.