As soon as those first warm rays of sunshine hit the garden, daffodils are usually the first to poke their bright yellow heads out of the soil. These spring favorites have a long winter behind them, and with a little bit of know-how, they’ll come back looking better than ever year after year. But what exactly do you need to do to make sure they survive the off-season? Let’s dive into how to overwinter your daffodils like a pro.
Do Daffodils Really Need Winter Protection?
Whether or not you need to baby your daffodils through the cold depends entirely on how you’re growing them.
Daffodils in the Ground
If your daffodils are planted directly in your garden beds, you’re in luck—they generally don’t need any extra winter protection. Once they finish blooming in June, the foliage will wither away. This is actually the plant’s way of pulling nutrients back into the bulb, which acts as a little underground storage tank. However, there’s one catch: a daffodil bulb is only frost-proof if it’s planted deep enough. If it’s too close to the surface, the ground will freeze right through it. Make sure you’re digging your planting holes at least 4 to 6 inches deep to keep them cozy.
Pro Tip: Instead of just leaving them be, some gardeners prefer “over-summering” the bulbs. Once the leaves have turned yellow and died back, you can dig the bulbs up and store them until September. We’ll get into the best way to store them in just a moment.
Daffodils in Containers
Potted plants are a different story. Because they’re above ground, the soil in containers freezes much faster than the earth. Plus, all that extra moisture from fall rain can lead to bulb rot. If you have daffodils on your balcony or patio, it’s best to bring them indoors or move them to a protected spot. By digging up the bulbs, you also free up your favorite pots for some winter decor!
How to Store Daffodil Bulbs
Whether you’re planning to replant in September or wait until early spring, you’ll want to store your bulbs correctly to keep them healthy. Here’s the checklist:
- Dig up the bulbs carefully.
- Clean off any excess dirt.
- Check for any soft spots or signs of rot.
- Remove any small “offset” bulbs (baby bulbs).
- Place them in a box filled with sand or hang them up in a mesh bag.
- Check on them occasionally to make sure no mold is moving in.
Pro Tip: The “sweet spot” for storage temperature is between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 15°C). A cool basement or garage usually works perfectly!
