Daffodils Not Blooming? Here’s What to Do :- The reasons your daffodil plants aren’t blooming in the spring are revealed by a gardening expert. Discover a surprise double daffodil variation as well.
Daffodils Not Blooming? Here’s What to Do
Why Are My Daffodil Bulbs Not Blooming in Spring?
In my garden, several of the daffodil bulbs aren’t flowering. Is there a chance that this spring will bring flowers? Yes, I do wait for the greens to turn brown. —Mary Anne Christoffersen from New York’s Staten Island
Daffodil bulbs that don’t blossom frequently do so because of frost, too much shade, and crowding. Late spring frosts often destroy the buds of early-blooming daffodils. When flower buds first expand, they resemble leaf tips, thus people tend to ignore the frost damage. If the weather cooperates, you should have spring blossoms in such situation.
If frost was not a problem, consider how much sunlight your plants get. Growing trees, recently installed buildings, and more plantings can cast enough shade on the plants to prevent them from blooming. There is less blossoming when there is crowding. Dig and divide plants that are too close together, and if the issue is with excessive shade, shift the plants. When the foliage starts to fade or in the fall, when you would usually be planting new bulbs, do this.
Backyard tip: As winter gives way to spring, you might see early bulbs emerging, migratory guests, even wooing birds constructing nests. Journal in your backyard to document these happenings and strengthen your bond with your natural area.
ALSO SEE
Identify a Mystery Double Daffodil
This bulb was given to me by a relative; what kind of plant is it? From Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Stephanie Byrd.
Melinda If you find out that a member of your family gave you a Narcissus, you may be taken aback. Cheerfulness, your double daffodil variation, is just one of many that are very different from standard yellow daffodils. Cheerfulness’s fragrant double flowers bloom in late April. Because of its heat tolerance, gardeners in warmer climates like yours would be wise to choose it.
Every month, readers of Birds & Blooms bring in their most pressing queries to Melinda Myers, a nationally recognized, multiple award-winning garden expert, TV/radio personality, and author of over 20 books.
