Easy Planting Instructions

Upon Arrival:
Open packages to increase air flow. If unable to plant right away, store them in a cool, dry place out of the sun at about 60-65 F.

When to Plant:
Because daffodil bulbs need to form roots below ground they should be planted after the ground has cooled - not when warm soil will encourage top growth. In an emergency they can be planted just before ground freeze, but this can yield poor results.

Where to Plant:
A spot with good drainage, at least 6 hours of sun, rich soil best. IMPORTANT: Choose a spot that won’t be mowed or cut until August. After spring flowers are gone, the leaves feed the bulbs for next season’s blooms by storing starch as they lose green color and wilt. The more sun they receive, the faster the process. Cutting, mowing or covering them while green will kill them. So plant them in a garden where other plants will cover this awkward stage or in fields & roadside* areas where you won’t notice it. Choose well: In the right spot, daffodils require no work & live for decades.

How to Plant:
6-8” deep, about 6” apart with firm bottom contact; loose soil below bulb is best. No amendments in hole except aged compost if available. Tamp down to remove air pockets and firm soil. Some fertilizer can be sprinkled above ground if desired; bone meal is no longer recommended. Water well unless rain is forecast soon.

About Garden Bed Plantings:
Soft garden soil is easier for root growth but can heave during freezes & thaws. You may wish to cover with mulch during winter.

About Naturalized Field or Roadside* Plantings:
*Be sure the area you choose is not exposed to road salt and isn’t mowed down by the town or state until August. Use a mattock, shovel or similar to pull back soil/sod, push bulb firmly to bottom of hole, replace sod, step firmly to remove air pockets. Random plantings are best. (Poison ivy in the way? We have solutions - Call us.)

Thank you for supporting ‘Daffodils for Dunbarton’ the Garden Club’s 10-yr beautification program to honor our town’s 250th Anniversary in 2015. Join us again next year when we feature new choices of premium bulbs to beautify our town & homes.

Questions? dgcdaffodil250th@aol.com or 774-4567