Q.Is There A Variety Of King Alfred Daffodils Which Will Continuously Bloom Each Year, Without Digging Up The Bulbs And Saving And R
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 ?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
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/daffodils-not-blooming.htm