Where
to plant:
Choose a well-drained, sunny place. Hillsides or slight
slopes are best. DRAINAGE is the key. Daffodils like plenty
of water during their growing season - fall and winter,
but they do not like to be moist in the summer.
How
to Plant?
Spade at least 12 inches deep. Plant bulbs so that their
top (pointed end) is at least two times as deep as the
bulb is high. Plant about 6 inches apart- most people
think it looks better to cluster the bulbs rather than
plant them in a row. To do this, plant multiple bulbs
together in a trench.
Soil
Tips:
If you are able to supplement the soil with fertilizer,
here are some tips. Imprive clay soil with well rotted
compost or planting mix. Slightly acidic soil is best.
Bone meal when added to the soil will help subsequent
year's growth. If you top dress with a 5-10-10 fertilizer
when planting and twice more when leaf tips emerge and
as they flower, you will get a better show. Please remember
to not fertilize anywhere near our precious Adirondack
waterways!
Water:
Daffodil bulbs need lots of water while they are growing
so give them a good drink when you plant them and if possible
continue until the first rains. Three weeks after they
stop blooming, stop watering. They do not like any water
during the summer - - WARMTH + MOISTURE = BULB ROT. If
you plant them where there is summer water, you must dig
them up and store them in a cool place to plant again
in November.
Following
the Blooms:
Never cut the foliage until it begins to yellow, usually
June. Some people tie the leaves or even braid them.
