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Most People Have No Clue: 10 Critical Things to Do After Daffodils Bloom
Daffodils are one of the first signs of spring, with their bright yellow petals and trumpet-shaped blooms bringing joy and color to gardens everywhere. But as soon as their flowers begin to fade, many people assume the job is done and forget about their daffodils. However, there’s much more to caring for these perennial beauties even after they’ve bloomed.
If you want your daffodils to thrive year after year, there are some critical tasks you need to take care of after the blooms fade. Taking proper care of them in this post-bloom phase ensures that they’ll return bigger and better next season, while also helping to maintain the health of your garden overall.
Here’s a list of 10 crucial things to do after your daffodils bloom, many of which are often overlooked by gardeners.
1. Allow the Leaves to Die Back Naturally
One of the most important things you can do after daffodils bloom is to let the leaves die back naturally. Don’t be tempted to cut them down immediately, even though they might look wilted or unsightly. The leaves are still photosynthesizing, absorbing energy from the sun that will help the bulb store nutrients for next year’s bloom.
What to do: Leave the leaves in place for about 6 weeks after the flowers fade. Once they start to yellow and wither on their own, you can remove them if they look too untidy.
2. Don’t Tie Up the Leaves
While it may seem like a good idea to tidy up your garden by tying up the daffodil leaves into bundles, this can actually harm the plant. Tying the leaves can prevent them from photosynthesizing properly, which means your bulbs won’t receive the nutrients they need.
What to do: Let the leaves fall naturally and don’t bind them together. This will help ensure the bulbs continue to grow strong.
3. Deadhead the Blooms
As the daffodils start to fade, you can deadhead the spent flowers by pinching them off or cutting them near the base. This will keep your garden looking tidy and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production, allowing it to focus all its resources on the bulb.
What to do: Use garden scissors or your fingers to remove the dead flowers. Be careful not to disturb the leaves or the developing bulb underground.
4. Fertilize After Blooming
Daffodils, like all flowering bulbs, need a little extra care after they’ve bloomed to ensure they return the following year. Fertilizing after bloom will provide the bulbs with the necessary nutrients to regenerate and store energy for next spring.
What to do: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or bone meal around the base of the plant. This will help the bulbs recharge and produce more blooms in the future.
5. Water Regularly During Growth
Even though daffodils bloom early in the spring, they still need regular watering through their growth period, even after flowering. Keeping the soil consistently moist helps the bulbs store energy for the next growing season.
What to do: Water the daffodils once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This is especially important if you’re experiencing a dry spring.
6. Protect the Bulbs From Pests
Daffodils can fall victim to pests like squirrels, deer, or bulb mites that might try to dig up or eat the bulbs. After blooming, it’s a good time to check the health of your bulbs and make sure they’re protected for the future.
What to do: Consider applying a natural pest r
