Daffodils are a popular springtime flower, but unfortunately, they are very short-lived. However, one five-minute task can lead to stronger and healthier flowers next year
Daffodils, the much-loved springtime bloom that adds a splash of colour to our gardens, sadly have a rather short lifespan.
It may seem like these vibrant yellow flowers only last a few weeks before they start to wilt, but one gardening expert has revealed a quick five-minute task that could result in healthier and stronger daffodils next year.
Tom, a green-fingered expert from Tall Clover Farm, has shared his top tip for ensuring a more abundant display of daffodils next spring – simply mow around them on your lawn and resist the urge to cut them back.
He advised: “Do not cut back the foliage or at least wait until it is completely brown and dry. The leaves create energy that is stored in the bulb to fuel next year’s blossoms. Remove them and you weaken the bulb and its ability to re-bloom.”
Daffodils require at least six weeks post-flowering to store enough food for the following year’s display, and interfering with them before this time can reduce their chances of returning.
Once the flower has wilted, you can remove the flower heads, a process known as deadheading, to guarantee an impressive display next spring, reports the Express.
Tom explained: “After the flower dies, seeds begin to form which requires energy from the bulb. If you remove the seed heads, more energy is stored in the bulb, which encourages bigger, better and usually more numerous flowers.”
Deadheading daffodils is a simple and speedy task that will result in longer-lasting blooms and a more vibrant display come next spring.
Tom has also suggested fertilising the ground where daffodils grow with “light compost” throughout the year, to give the flowers an extra dose of “oomph” when they start to regrow.
However, Tom emphasized that the golden rule for a more robust and grander daffodil display next season is to never interfere with their foliage, as the leaves are what fuel the growth of next year’s blooms.
Tom explained: “Pinching seed heads does help, but letting your bulbs recharge by leaving the leaves intact is the best advice I could give to encourage next spring’s flowers. This is true for most spring bloomers, such as daffodils (narcissus), bluebells, and snowbells (galanthus).”
