Fall is bulb planting time, and this is one of the biggest questions that I get. People ask this in the spring when the daffodils are flowering- but Fall is when we need to think about this! OK so let’s talk daffodils. Rodent resistant, the deer steer clear of them. They don’t mind dappled shade. Yellow, white, orange, pink. Large trumpet, small trumpet, large flowering, miniatures,
early-mid- and late flowering varieties. Any way you slice it, they are all beautiful, but choosing the best bulbs will get you off to the best start!

Here are my biggest daffodil tips that you need to know BEFORE you plant. Selection is super important here and I have a 2 part tip to help you get started with the selection process.

Selection Tip #1.

Choose a top grade bulb, which in the industry is called Grade 1 or sometimes Grade A. Something that is not widely known is that before packaging, bulbs are sorted. The dutch bulb companies separate their bulbs into different “grades”. Grade 1 bulbs are the best grade, top notch- these are what we are looking for here folks! They are larger bulbs, firm and more mature that will reliably be the best performers, and start their show the very first spring after planting.

These bulbs can be purchased from reputable garden suppliers and dutch bulb companies. Then… there are Landscape Grade bulbs (mediocre). Big box stores often have great deals on bulbs, but yup, they are landscape grade. A question I often get is, why aren’t my daffodils flowering? Or why are the flowers so wimpy? This is the number one reason. Landscape grade bulbs are smaller, less mature and are tougher to get going- sometimes they are even a “no show”! They typically take a few years to develop and produce the kind of flowers that Grade 1 bulbs will put out right away. However, landscape grade bulbs do have a place. For one, they are less expensive, which makes them tempting. So if you are patient, and have a small budget, or are looking to do a mass planting- this would be a good way to go.

Selection Tip #2.

Select a combination of early, mid, and late flowering bulbs to extend your daffodil flowering time. There are 3 stages if you will of flowering daffodil bulbs: Early flowering (Early April), Mid Flowering (Mid April), and Late Flowering (Late April/Early May). This timing may vary a little depending on winter, but by purchasing a little of each, you can extend flowering times to 4-6 weeks.

These important tips will help you get better blossoms in the spring. And proper planting will give you additional insurance that your investment and hard work will pay off. Temps are dropping, but “Think Spring”!!