In the garden with GB News: Daffodils - everything you need to know to get the perfect bloom - planting, growing and making flowers last
GB News shares everything to know about daffodils
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Daffodils appear across the country between February and May which means they are often considered the first sign of spring.
GB News has everything you need to know about growing daffodils as well as tips to care for them in your garden and make them last as long as possible in homes.
Everything to know about caring for daffodils
Planting
Daffodil bulbs can grow in various conditions but they prefer soil that is fertile and well-drained and being planted in sunny parts of the garden.
So, avoid planting in waterlogged soil or shaded areas. The ideal depth of planting is around three times the height of the bulb. Doing this will help them to flower year after year.
Daffodils are everywhere at this time of year
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Speaking to GB News, gardening expert from Budget Seeds Craig Morley added: "Dig over the soil and remove any weeds from the area where you are going to plant the bulbs. It may also be helpful to use a garden fork to work in organic matter (e.g. compost) as this will improve soil drainage and structure."
If adding a fertiliser, it is a good idea to check the packaging the bulbs came in to find the rate at which to add it.
Craig added: "They will also grow well if planted in a container. Ideally, you should be planting daffodils in early autumn if purchased as bulbs, or before they begin to flower in spring if they are potted bulbs."
Planting seeds requires more time and attention and can take around five years to get good results. Gardeners can find the seeds from daffodil flowers.
"Seeds can be harvested from daffodil flowers after they have faded, and the pods are ready when they are starting to go brown and shrivelling," the expert added.
"Seeds should be gently broken open with your fingers or a clean knife, and kept in a cool, dark area until autumn when they can be planted.
"The seeds should be planted in a seed starting tray in some potting mix, before being allowed to germinate into seedlings. The seedlings may need to grow in the starting tray for around three years until small bulbs emerge and they can be moved to other containers."
When to plant
As daffodils flower in spring, the best time to plant them is in early autumn. So while it is too early to plant this year, spring is the ideal time to get your hands on daffodils for inside your home.
How to look after daffodils in the garden
Luckily, daffodils are a low-maintenance plant that can survive both cold and hot weather conditions in the garden.
They must be watered regularly when growing, with around an inch of water or rain a week, but they do not require watering during the summer. They can survive in partial sun but it is worth noting daffodils grow towards the sunshine.
"After the flower's blooms have faded, you should let the leaves yellow by themselves before you cut them back, as cutting them earlier than this may reduce or even eliminate any subsequent flowering," Craig added.
"Other regular maintenance that daffodils require is dividing, which is when the flowers have overgrown and filled the space that they are in. When you notice the flowers becoming smaller or fewer are coming through, lift and divide clumps to separate the bulbs to replant them in fresh soil."
Using a fertiliser in the spring months can help the flower to stay as healthy as possible, garden expert Steve Chilton explained.
He told GB News: "A high potash fertiliser should be given to the daffodils in spring, which will keep them healthy for as long as possible. This is particularly important if your soil is relatively poor or your daffodils are showing signs of weak growth.
"You should deadhead daffodils as soon as they finish blooming, as this actually encourages the daffodil plant to transport energy back into the bulb ready for flowering again next year.
"Similarly, you should allow foliage to die back naturally, as this will also help the bulb store energy for flowering in the next year."
How to make daffodils last at home
Daffodils are everywhere at this time of year, so make sure they last as long as possible in your home with some simple care tips.
Opt to buy flowers with bulbs that are still closed if looking to make them last. Cut daffodil stems at a slight angle and place them in a vase of water.
It is important to keep the water topped up with flower food and to replace the water every two days. Daffodils should be stored away from direct heat and draughts as this will dry them out.
Britons should also remove any foliage that sits below the water line in the vase, according to Steve. If the flowers look worse for wear, cut stems again and submerge in lukewarm water for a couple of hours.
"Always choose daffodils that are in the earliest stages of blooming. Daffodils with buds that are still closed and haven't opened just yet are the ideal pick, as it means that they'll last as long as possible in the vase," the gardening expert advised.
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Buying daffodils where the bulbs are still closed will last longer at home
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"Daffodils release a substance that's actually dangerous and harmful to other flowers, so I always recommend keeping them separate in a vase from any other type of flower. This is important for, not just the other flower, but the daffodils too."
Daffodil care timeline
Spring
- Fertilise: Daffodils can benefit from a feed in early spring
- Pick daffodils: This is a great time to pick daffodils to enjoy inside
Summer
- Cut back foliage: This should be done around six weeks after the plants have flowered
Autumn
- Plant daffodils outside: The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is in autumn, between September and November
Winter
- Leaves start to appear: Daffodils can stand extreme weather conditions so they do not need much care at this time