Daffodils; what to do next. . .

The daffodil and all spring flowering bulbs are some of the easiest bulbs to grow – planted in the autumn and flowering from January onwards.

FAQ include; ‘why did my daffodils not flower despite having healthy green foliage’, or ‘what to do with the foliage after the flowers have finished?’

If bulbs fail to flower the two most likely reasons are over crowding or lack of potash. If the bulbs have been in the ground for many years and are not flowering, lift the bulbs in the autumn, replant some fresh soil and space the bulbs a few centimetres apart. Give a feed of Fish, Blood and Bone fertiliser.

After a couple of years the bulbs will have built up enough strength to flower again.

The other reason for not flowering is lack of potash. This is an essential plant food for all things flowering or fruiting in the garden. Potash should be applied to all bulbs after they have finished flowering but before the foliage has died down.

Now, what to do with the foliage after they have finished flowering?

Remove all dead blooms and let the foliage die back naturally, as this will manufacture food for next year.

Never be tempted to tie the foliage or bend it. It may look tidier, but the bulb cannot get food from the foliage for next year. Leave the green foliage to die back and can be removed when it is brown.

Enjoy your bulbs for spring next year.

John Shannon