It’s simple! Do Nothing!
By Berni Kurk
These questions are often asked about this time of year as daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs finish blooming. The answer is quite simple but most often not adhered to. Allow bulb foliage to mature naturally without disturbance. The time required depends on the species.
Tulip foliage dies five to six weeks after flowering. Daffodil foliage may persist for 10 to 12 weeks. If the foliage is removed early, the bulbs will be small next year, thus reducing the beauty of the display. Techniques such as braiding the foliage, squashing it or trimming back should not be used. It is acceptable to plant annual bedding plants between the clumps of dying foliage.
These daffodils were planted 60 or so years ago. Several of these clumps are a foot or more across and bloom only on the outer perimeter. As soon as the foliage dies back, dig the clumps and replant giving bulbs more individual space which will result in more flowers in future years to come.
Berni Kurk is a UA Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more information, call 501-623-6841 or email adykes@uaex.edu. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
