Daffodils?

Deb
by Deb

I received my Dafodil bulbs yesturday Sept.17th . Should I put them in the ground this fall.?? It gets below freezing up in Maine from The end of November until April. Is it "OK" to leave my bulbs in the ground that long to lie dormant? We have a late spring usually starts early May. Thanks!! to all of you that answered my rose bush question

  6 answers
  • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Sep 18, 2018

    The nursery you ordered them from will ship them to arrive at the appropriate time for you to plant based on the zone you live in. When the soil starts to warm up in the spring they will start to develop roots and you will see new shoots start to appear. If there is still frost warnings when you see the shoots start coming up add a little mulch around them until frost is not a problem. Best wishes.

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    • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Sep 20, 2018

      A little shade is fine,but since you are in Maine and they bloom in Spring or early summer I think they will appreciate all the warm sun they can get. Winter is definitely on it's way here in Oklahoma. Forecast for next week is 3 cold fronts, a day or two apart, and lows in the 30's and 40's. Enjoy your beautiful blooms in the spring and stay warm in the meantime!

  • Oliva Oliva on Sep 18, 2018

    Yes, plant now, or no later than very early Oct. (Keep them in your refrigerator, if you delay planting, but remove any plastic around them, so the condensation doesn't make them rot.

    As Kal wrote you, bulbs need a long period of cold weather to induce Spring blooms. Follow planting instructions for your zone. Give the bulbs good drainage (some people place a layer of sand in the planting hole), and if you're planting tulips, dust the bulbs with Thiram to deter deer.


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    • Deb Deb on Sep 19, 2018

      Thank you for your advise. I took my daffodils out of the plastic bags and into paper bags. I was going to plant this weekend but it rained. I bought a 2 toned dafodil white petals with pink in the center. Reminds me of Easter lily. Do daffodils need all sun or is some shade OK?? Thanks

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Sep 18, 2018

    YES, YOU SHOULD PLANT THEM THIS FALL SO THAT THEY WILL BLOOM IN THE SPRING. IF YOU PLANT THEM ABOUT 4-6 IONCHES BELOW THE SURFACE THEY SHOULD BE OKAY FOR THE WINTER.

  • Mary Boucher Mary Boucher on Sep 19, 2018

    Yes, plant now for best results. Be sure plant them six inches deep. I like to dig a large hole six inches deep and an oval shape 18 inches across. Arrange bulbs around the perimeter and put a few toward the center 3-4 inches apart makes a bigger impact in spring than a single plant here or there. Be sure to water if it doesn’t rain. They will multiply and be prettier every year.

    • Deb Deb on Sep 19, 2018

      Thank you for answering my question. I will take you up on your advise. 6 inches deep 18 inch long oval and a few out in front. Your garden must be beautiful. Do Daffodils need a lot of sun or is a shaded spot OK?

  • Margie Miller Margie Miller on Sep 19, 2018

    Moreover, to add to the other good advice, plant them when the temperature drops into the 60's. As hot as this summer has been, you don't want them to start coming up this fall!

    • Deb Deb on Sep 19, 2018

      Thank you for all the good advise .Is it OK to plant them in a shaded area or do they need 6 hrs of sun?


  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 19, 2018

    Hi Deb. I'm Cindy. Daffodils should go in the soil 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes. They need full sun or partial shade. Daffodils should be planted 3" to 6" apart. They make quite a show when planted in big groups rather than 1 here and 1 there. Keep the soil moist during the growth season. I hope this info helps you. Wishing you well.