Q.If Daffodil Bulbs Are Planted Late And Do Not Show Any Growth In The Spring, What Is The Likelihood That They Will Grow The Second
spring? We are in a challenging growing area for daffodils as our Chinook freeze-thaw cycles can cause moisture to seep down and rot the bulbs. In the fall of 2021, 1800 Dutch Master and Poets Original bulbs were planted by approximately 100 persons in honour of my parents who had recently died. The bulbs were planted between October 9 and November 3. All bulbs were fertilized, watered and mulched at time of planting. Results were very mixed – some grew successfully, an average of 20% bloomed, many produced leaves only, and over 50% did not show at all. Of the 250 bulbs I personally planted, 24 produced leaves, 12 of these produced tiny or normal flowers, and the rest did not appear. People are reluctant to replant this fall as they don’t want to disturb or damage the bulbs planted a year ago. Might daffodils appear in the second spring if they did not appear the first spring? Any advice you can provide is very sincerely appreciated! Thank you! Also we are thinking that the bulbs that produced leaves only this spring may produce flowers next year? Thank you so much for this opportunity to ask a question!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Yes, they can still grow and bloom the next year. First, though, dig up a few in random spots to see if they are still there and didn't rot or hadn't been eaten by marauding animals. Also, check the fertilizer used. Too much nitrogen can halt flowering. And they need full sun.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/daffodil/daffodils-not-blooming.htm