Why Have My Daffodils Stopped Flowering?
My clumps of daffodils have stopped flowering or much reduced, despite receiving bulb fertiliser. What could be the problem?
It is strange that your daffodils have not flowered. When daffodils stop flowering it is usually because the bulbs have been stressed, damaged, or unable to store enough energy for the following season.
Ground disturbance
Daffodil are spring flowering bulbs that normally multiply each year and should re-bloom reliably. Has anything changed around the planting area. For example, has there been earthworks nearby, prolonged waterlogging, or any disturbance around the bulbs?
Leaves cut off too early
After flowering, daffodil leaves should be left to gradually brown and die down naturally. If the foliage is removed too early, the bulb cannot store enough energy for the following season, which is a common reason flowering becomes reduced. Always allow the leaves to die down naturally so the bulb can store the nutrients it needs for next season’s flowers.
Check the bulbs
The best thing to do is investigate what condition the bulbs are in. Pull up any bulbs you find and inspect them – if they are not looking healthy, for example are rotted or infected by insects, then you will need to replace them.
If they are still in good condition, then look to replant them as soon as possible and improve the soil (see below), or perhaps move them to a better position.
Replanting and feeding
- Autumn is the best time to plant new spring bulbs or replant existing ones.
- Dig Daltons Premium Bulb Mix into your existing soil (or use in pots) before planting.
- About five to six weeks after planting, feed the bulbs with Daltons Premium Bulb Fertiliser to give the bulbs the best start and promote healthy flowers in spring.
