Daffodils Don’t Come Back Year After Year

Question

Each year for the past many years I’ve planted daffodil bulbs in different areas of my yard. The fall before last I planted 80 bulbs in one large flower bed. Last spring about 50 of them came up and flowered. This year, I have 3 that came up but only one flowered. Can you give me some suggestions for this fall? There is a small patch right up next to my house that is the only one successful. But the one in full sun, that I usually put sweet potato vine in the spring and summer, is the one where I put the 80 bulbs. When I dig or weed, I don’t ever find rotting bulbs or any remnants of what I’ve previously planted. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It may be too warm in your hardiness zone. Daffodils need cold conditioning in order to bloom. In Southern states they are often treated as annuals. Here are some varieties that will bloom in zone 8:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-8/zone-8-bulbs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/daffodil/daffodil-planting-care-tips-how-to-plant-daffodils-in-your-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/daffodil/daffodil-bulbs-not-growing.htm