A garden expert reveals the reasons why your daffodil plants are not blooming in spring. Plus, identify a mystery double daffodil variety.
Late Spring Frosts Can Damage Daffodil Flower Buds
“Some daffodil bulbs are not blooming in my garden. Is there any hope that they’ll have flowers this coming spring? I do leave the greens until they turn brown,” asks Birds & Blooms reader Mary Anne Christoffersen of Staten Island, New York.
Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “Frost, excess shade and overcrowding are common reasons for daffodil bulbs not blooming. Buds of early-blooming daffodils are often killed by late spring frosts. Since the flower buds look similar to a leaf tip when they first expand, the frost damage is often overlooked. In that case, you should have spring blooms if the weather cooperates.
If frost was not an issue, evaluate the amount of sunlight your plants receive. Maturing trees, new structures and additional plantings can increase shade to the point where the plants won’t bloom. Crowding causes a reduction in flowering. Dig and divide overcrowded plants, and move those that are in heavy shade if that’s the problem. Do this as the foliage declines or in fall when you would normally plant new bulbs.
Backyard tip: As the landscape shifts from winter to spring, you may notice early bulbs sprouting, migrating visitors or courting birds building nests. Keep a backyard journal to chronicle these events and become more connected with your patch of nature.
Check out daffodil facts you need to know.
Overcrowded Daffodil Bulbs
“I have a lot of daffodils that were planted 10 to 15 years ago. The past two years, only two or three of them flowered. How can I get them to bloom again?” asks reader John Knight of Waverly, Iowa.
Melinda says, “After this many years, the daffodils are likely overcrowded, which leads to poor flowering. Dig, divide and replant the bulbs at two to three times their vertical height deep and 6 to 12 inches apart. Do this as the foliage fades or in the fall when you normally plant other hardy spring-flowering bulbs. If you decide you’d like to divide the daffodils in the fall, mark their location this spring and make a note on your calendar.”
Identify a Mystery Double Daffodil
“I grew this bulb a relative gave me—what kind of plant is it?” asks reader Stephanie Byrd of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
Melinda says, “You might be surprised to discover that your family member gave you a type of daffodil (Narcissus). Your double daffodil variety, Cheerfulness, is just one of many that differ greatly from traditional yellow daffodils. The double flowers of Cheerfulness are fragrant and appear in late spring. Its heat tolerance makes it a smart choice for gardeners in warmer regions like yours.”
Each month, Birds & Blooms readers send in their burning questions to gardening expert, Melinda Myers, who is a nationally known, award-winning garden expert, TV/radio host and author of more than 20 books.
Got a gardening question for Melinda? Submit your questions here! They may appear here or in a future issue of the magazine.
