Expert: Laura Walker - 2/29/2004

Question
I know that one is supposed to plant daffodil bulbs in November, but some family emergencies prevented me from doing that.  Can I still plant the bulbs I purchased last fall?  I live in Southeastern PA.  If I can't plant them now, will they be okay until next November, so long as they are kept dry?

Answer
Nina,
Daffodil bulbs are large,spring blooming bulbs that are a bit difficult to force because they do need a cold,dormant period of at least 10 to 12 weeks.So,unless you have had them stored in a refrigerated environment,I would not suggest forcing them into bloom.There is a small group of Daffodils that are easy to force because they don't need a cold period. These are called Tazettas or more commonly known as "Paperwhites". You can find these in garden centers everywhere. I see them mostly at Christmas time,but I think you can get them now as well.The bulb companies sell a lot of these through mail order now.I can give you a list of suppliers. They will grow fast and produce blooms in as little as 2 weeks from planting time in pots indoors.

I would suggest storing the ones you have now in a cool dry place in a paper sack or box until fall planting time.

Here is a list of my favorite suppliers:
Van Bourgondien,Van Dycks,Dutch Gardens,White Flower Farm,Wayside Gardens,McClure & Zimmerman.
They all have websites too.
Have a great Spring!