Divide and Plant Daffodils
Daffodils are early spring flowering bulbs. According to the University of Illinois extension service, late summer is the correct time for division of these bulbs while the plant is in full dormancy. During this time, when the green foliage has died back, the roots from the bulbs have also ceased to grow. When the fall rains begin, the roots from the bulbs begin to re-develop, and dividing the bulbs in late fall may cause deficiencies to the plants spring development. Daffodils should be divided every three years to prevent overcrowding.
List:
Shovel
Organic material (Peat moss or compost)
10-10-10 soluble fertilizer
Bone meal
Remove all of the daffodil bulbs from the soil by digging them out using the shovel. Use the dead or dying leaf tops of the daffodil plant as your guide for locating the dormant bulbs. Set the bulbs to the side where they will not be in your way. If you do not plan on replanting the bulbs immediately, place them in a safe location away from rodents.
Prepare the daffodil flowerbed by adding organic material to the growing bed, if the soil is heavy with clay. Heavy clay soils may require up to 6 bushels of organic material per 100 square feet of flowerbed. Dig the material into the soil to depth between 12 inches and 18 inches deep.
Mix five tablespoons of the soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer, and two cups of bone meal per 10 square feet to the flower bed. Dig the two fertilizers into the soil to a depth of 6 inches to 8 inches deep.
Plant the daffodil bulbs to a depth that is two times to three times the diameter of the bulbs. In other words, a 2-inch diameter bulb will be placed between 4 inches and 6 inches deep.
Fertilize the bulbs one last time in the spring, just as the green leaves begin to emerge through the soil. Repeat the soluble fertilizer application of five tablespoons per 10 square feet. Soak the fertilizer well into the soil.
Words to the Wise:
Test the soil for a correct pH level between 6.0 to 7.0 if you are experiencing bloom problems during the early spring months. Consult your local agricultural extension service for soil test kits and processes.
