Daffodils in The Wrong Spot? Tips on Successfully Moving Them!, by Down to Earth Gardening and Design on YouTube. 8 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick the new spot first. Daffodils want sun or light shade and soil that drains well. Avoid spots that stay soggy in winter.
Dig over the new bed and mix in a little compost. Loosen the soil to about 20 cm deep so roots can push down easily.
Wait until the leaves have died back in late summer or early autumn. Then push a fork straight down about 15 cm away from the clump and lift the soil.
Ease the clump out with the fork instead of pulling the leaves. Shake off loose soil and check for soft or damaged bulbs.
Pull the clump apart gently with your hands. Keep the firm, healthy bulbs and compost any that are mushy or mouldy.
Replant the bulbs pointed end up, about 10 to 15 cm deep and 10 cm apart. A good rule is two to three times the bulb's height.
Firm the soil over each bulb and water well. Label the spot so you do not dig into it later.
Spread a light mulch over the bed, keeping it off the bulb necks. Water again if the weather stays dry for a week or two.
Tips and common mistakes
Lift bulbs with a fork rather than a spade so you are less likely to slice through them.
Do not cut the leaves off before they yellow, because the bulbs need them to store food for next spring.
Plant before the first hard frost so roots have time to settle in.
If you cannot replant straight away, store bulbs in a cool, dry, airy place for a few days only.
Questions
When is the best time to move daffodil bulbs?
Late summer to early autumn, once the leaves have died back, is ideal. This gives the bulbs time to root before winter.
Can I move daffodils while they are still flowering?
It is possible but risky. The flowers and leaves usually suffer, so wait until the foliage yellows if you can.
How deep should I plant the bulbs?
Plant them about two to three times their own height deep, roughly 10 to 15 cm, with the pointed end facing up.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
