Is There A Variety Of King Alfred Daffodils Which Will Continuously Bloom Each Year, Without Digging Up The Bulbs And Saving And R

Question

e-planting the larger ones ? Many years ago – in the late 1960s, a relative planted a few hybrid ? daffodils in a SW Virginia flower bed (with incline, good drainage). These flowers have re-produced annually for 50+ years and have never been dug up – in order to eliminate any inferior bulbs. The history of these bulbs is that they originally came from Holland, Netherlands along with many other bulbs – tulips, etc. and were among many bulbs grown in that SW Virginia area, Carroll County and were sold as a valuable crop for several years, with shipping out of Fancy Gap, VA. This small crossroads was located on Hwy 52, in 1950s-60s and is presently near the newer highways, Route 77 and 81 which are major trucking routes. I believe the owners of the bulb enterprise business were an older couple and did not continue with their flower business. However, many healthy bulbs grown in Carroll County, VA – in the 1950s-60s are still healthy and the flowers “grace” the yards of many homes throughout this county and ad- jacent counties and towns and cities. Our King Alfred daffodils, purchased from a local Chesapeake, VA store were large healthy bulbs, but blooming ceased after about 7 years. Can unhealthy mulch hinder the health of daffodil bulbs and is there a variety of King Alfred or larger daffodils which are care-free like the ones I described above ?

Answer 1

It's hard to say why seemingly healthy bulbs cease to bloom. It could be excessive moisture one year caused the bulbs to rot, animal damage, etc. Proper planting in a sunny, well drained area helps, plus an annual fertilizer. King Alfred is a popular variety and is sold from many local and online stores. There is no way to know whose will live the longest.

I wouldn't think mulch would have too much affect on the bulbs. And you shouldn't have to dig them up, doing that every year may set them back. I would plant them and leave them till they are obviously overcrowded and need to be divided.

Here are some planting tips that may help:

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/daffodils-not-blooming.htm