Introduction
Daffodils are one of the most rewarding flowers a gardener can grow. Their cheerful yellow and white faces are a sure sign that spring has arrived. Over time, these hardy bulbs often multiply and create dense clumps that produce even more flowers each year. This natural process is one of the many reasons we love them at Longfield Gardens. If you’re planning a bigger spring display, start with Daffodils (Narcissus) to see the full range.
There are many reasons you might want to lift your bulbs out of the ground. Perhaps you are moving to a new home and want to take your favorite varieties with you. You might also want to thin out a crowded patch to encourage more vigorous blooming. This article will walk you through the process of digging, dividing, and storing your bulbs so you can enjoy a more beautiful garden next season. For a different bloom style, the Daffodil Assorted Classic Double Daffodil Collection is a great example of the fuller forms daffodils can offer.
Learning how to dig up daffodil bulbs is a straightforward skill that any gardener can master with a little bit of patience and the right timing. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your plants healthy and expand your flower beds for free. If you want more inspiration for what to plant next, the Daffodil Assorted Fragrant Daffodil Collection is worth a look.
Why You Should Dig Up Your Daffodil Bulbs
Daffodils are famous for their ability to "naturalize." This means they settle into your landscape and return year after year. As they grow, the original bulb produces smaller "daughter" bulbs. Eventually, these clumps can become so crowded that the plants struggle to find enough nutrients and space.
When a clump becomes too dense, you might notice that the plants produce plenty of green leaves but very few flowers. Gardeners often call this "going blind." Digging up and dividing these bulbs is the best way to rejuvenate the patch. It gives each bulb more room to breathe and access to fresh soil. If you’re still choosing bulbs for a naturalized planting, our Planning Guide for Daffodils can help you compare forms and bloom times.
You might also want to dig them up to change your garden layout. If you are redesigning a perennial bed or installing a new walkway, moving your daffodils is a great way to save them. Instead of losing the bulbs to construction or new plantings, you can relocate them to a better spot.
Key Takeaway: Digging and dividing daffodils prevents overcrowding and ensures your garden remains full of bright, healthy blooms every spring.
The Best Time to Dig Up Daffodils
Timing is the most important factor when you decide to lift your bulbs. You want to wait until the plant has finished its work for the season. After the flowers fade, the leaves continue to grow for several weeks. During this time, the foliage uses sunlight to create energy, which is then stored in the bulb for next year’s flowers.
The ideal time to dig is when the foliage begins to turn yellow or light brown and starts to flop over. This usually happens in late spring or early summer, about six to eight weeks after the flowers have finished blooming. At this stage, the bulb has finished storing its energy, but the leaves are still visible enough to help you find the exact location of the clump. For more timing tips, see our All About Daffodils guide.
If you wait until the leaves have completely withered away and disappeared, finding the bulbs becomes much harder. You might accidentally slice into them with your shovel while searching. If you must move them earlier—perhaps because of a sudden landscape project—you can do so "in the green." This means moving them while the leaves are still active. However, for the best long-term health of the plant, waiting for the foliage to yellow is the preferred method.
Signs Your Bulbs Are Ready to Move
- The flowers have completely died back and fallen off.
- The leaves are turning yellow or tan rather than bright green.
- The foliage is laying flat on the ground.
- The soil is relatively dry, which makes digging easier.
Essential Tools for the Job
You do not need fancy equipment to dig up daffodil bulbs. Most standard garden tools will work perfectly. The goal is to lift the bulbs without bruising or cutting them.
A garden fork is often the best tool for this task. The tines can slide into the soil and lift the clump from underneath with less risk of slicing through a bulb. If you have very hard or rocky soil, a sturdy spade or shovel is a good alternative.
You should also have a basket, bucket, or mesh bag ready to hold the bulbs as you pull them from the earth. If you plan to store the bulbs until fall, having some old newspapers and a cool, shaded area for drying is also helpful.
What to do next:
- Check the weather forecast for a dry, cloudy day.
- Gather your garden fork and a sturdy bucket.
- Identify the specific clumps you want to move.
Step-by-Step Guide to Digging Your Bulbs
The process of digging is simple, but it requires a gentle touch. You want to treat the bulbs like eggs. Even though they look tough, they can be bruised if handled roughly.
Locate the Clump
Start by looking for the remaining foliage. If the leaves have already started to disappear, you may need to look for the dried-up stalks. Try to identify the center of the clump so you know where the highest concentration of bulbs will be.
Give the Bulbs Wide Berth
One of the most common mistakes is digging too close to the plant. This often leads to sliced bulbs that won't survive the transition. Place your shovel or fork about six to eight inches away from the base of the leaves. This ensures you are clear of the main bulb mass.
Loosen the Soil
Push your tool straight down into the soil. Gently rock the handle back and forth to loosen the earth. Move around the entire clump in a circle, loosening the soil from all sides. This "circles the wagons" around the bulbs and makes the final lift much easier.
Lift the Clump
Once the soil is loose, slide your fork or spade deep under the clump. Use the handle as a lever to gently pry the bulbs upward. You should feel the entire mass of roots and bulbs lift at once. If you feel a lot of resistance, stop and loosen the soil a bit more. For spacing and planting rhythm, the FAQs - Fall Planted Bulbs page has a helpful overview.
Shake Off the Dirt
Once the clump is out of the ground, gently shake it to remove excess soil. You can use your fingers to brush away large clumps of dirt. Do not bang the bulbs against the ground or each other to clean them, as this can cause damage.
How to Divide and Clean the Bulbs
Once the bulbs are out of the ground, you will likely see a large mass of bulbs stuck together. This is the perfect time to divide them. If you want a stronger sense of how different forms behave in the garden, the Types of Daffodils to Know and Grow guide is a useful reference.
Separating the Bulbs
You will notice the main "mother" bulb with smaller "daughter" bulbs attached to the sides. Many of these will pull apart easily with just a gentle tug. If they are still firmly attached, it is often best to leave them together. They will separate naturally when they are ready.
Sorting Your Collection
As you separate the bulbs, take a close look at their condition. A healthy daffodil bulb should be firm and heavy for its size. It should have a papery brown skin, similar to an onion.
If you find any bulbs that are soft, mushy, or show signs of rot, it is best to discard them. Also, look out for bulbs that feel unusually light or have large holes from pests. Discarding unhealthy bulbs now prevents problems from spreading to your other plants later.
Removing the Foliage
If the leaves are still attached, you can trim them off about an inch above the bulb. Use clean garden shears or scissors. If the leaves are already brown and brittle, they may simply pull away with a light touch. Do not pull hard on green leaves, as this can damage the top of the bulb.
Choosing Between Immediate Replanting and Storage
After you have dug and divided your bulbs, you have two main options. You can either replant them in a new spot right away or store them to be planted in the fall.
Replanting Immediately
Many gardeners find that replanting immediately is the easiest path. It saves you the trouble of storing and tracking the bulbs through the summer. If you choose this route, have your new planting holes ready before you start digging. If you need a refresher on placement, the How Deep Should I Plant My Daffodil Bulbs? Planting Guide covers the basics.
Plant the bulbs at a depth that is about three times the height of the bulb. For most standard daffodils, this is about six inches deep. Space them about four to six inches apart to give them room to grow. Water the area well after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.
Storing for Fall
If you aren't sure where you want to put the bulbs yet, or if you are moving to a new home later in the year, storage is a great option. Storing bulbs allows them to stay dormant during the heat of the summer. This mimics their natural lifecycle.
How to Store Your Bulbs Correctly
If you decide to store your bulbs, you must follow a few steps to ensure they stay healthy until fall. The biggest threats to stored bulbs are moisture and heat. For a full walkthrough, see How Do I Store Daffodil Bulbs? Best Tips for Success.
The Drying Phase
Before putting bulbs into containers, they need to "cure" or dry. Lay them out in a single layer on a sheet of newspaper or a mesh screen. Choose a spot that is out of direct sunlight and has good airflow, such as a garage or a covered porch.
Let them dry for about a week. This allows the outer skin to toughen up, which protects the bulb from drying out too much. Do not wash the bulbs with water. Moisture during storage is the leading cause of mold and rot.
Proper Storage Containers
Once the bulbs are dry, place them in a container that breathes. Mesh bags (like the ones used for onions), old pantyhose, or paper bags with holes punched in them are all excellent choices. Avoid using plastic bags or airtight containers, as these trap moisture and will cause the bulbs to rot.
Finding the Right Spot
Store your bags of bulbs in a cool, dark, and dry place. A basement or a cool garage is usually perfect. Avoid areas that get very hot, such as an attic. High temperatures can kill the flower bud inside the bulb.
Key Takeaway: Always label your storage bags. It is very easy to forget which variety is which by the time October rolls around. Include the color, height, and variety name if you know it.
Planning for Fall Replanting
Whether you bought your bulbs from us at Longfield Gardens or dug them up from your own yard, fall is the time to get them back into the earth. The best time to plant is when the soil temperature has cooled down, usually after the first few light frosts but before the ground freezes. If you want a broader fall-planted overview, the How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs guide is a good next step.
When you are ready to plant, take the bulbs out of storage and give them one last inspection. They should still be firm. If any have become soft or shriveled over the summer, toss them out.
Selecting the Site
Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight. While daffodils bloom before many trees have full leaves, they still need that early spring sun to recharge. Ensure the soil drains well. Daffodils do not like "wet feet," which can cause the bulbs to rot over the winter. For help timing your shipment and planting window, visit our Shipping Information page.
Planting Depth and Spacing
A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. For a two-inch bulb, that means a four-to-six-inch deep hole. Always plant the bulb with the "pointy" end facing up. This is where the leaves will emerge. The flat end with the wiry roots should face down. If you want a quick spacing reference, Spacing Recommendations for Fall-Planted Bulbs is worth bookmarking.
Aftercare
Once the bulbs are in the ground and covered with soil, you don't need to do much. Nature will take over. The bulbs will begin to grow roots during the cool fall months, stay dormant during the winter, and then burst into growth as soon as the ground warms up in the spring.
Tips for Success with Transplanted Daffodils
Moving plants is always a bit of a shock to their system. While daffodils are incredibly hardy, a few extra steps can help them transition smoothly to their new home.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, bulbs that have been moved or divided may not bloom as vigorously the very first spring after the move. This is normal. They are putting their energy into establishing a new root system. By the second year, they should be back to their full glory.
- Use Mulch: A thin layer of mulch over the planting area helps regulate soil temperature and keeps moisture levels consistent.
- Avoid Fertilizing Immediately: You don't need to add a lot of fertilizer to the planting hole. Most bulbs have all the energy they need stored inside them already. If you want to boost the soil, a light application of compost on the surface in the spring is plenty.
- Keep the Leaves: Whenever you move daffodils, remember that the leaves are the engine of the plant. Never cut them back while they are still green, even if they look a bit messy in your garden beds.
Summary of the Digging Process
Digging up your daffodils is a great way to refresh your landscape and ensure your spring display stays vibrant. By timing your work with the lifecycle of the plant, you ensure the bulbs stay strong and healthy.
- Wait for the foliage to yellow before you start digging.
- Use a garden fork to lift clumps gently from the side.
- Discard any soft or damaged bulbs.
- Dry bulbs thoroughly before storing them in breathable bags.
- Replant in the fall at a depth of three times the bulb's height.
"Gardening is a cycle of growth and renewal. Taking the time to divide your daffodils is a simple way to participate in that cycle and ensure your garden remains a source of joy for years to come."
We hope these tips help you feel confident as you head out into your garden. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every gardener can achieve beautiful results with a bit of knowledge and a love for plants. Happy digging!
FAQ
Can I dig up daffodils while they are still flowering?
You can move daffodils while they are in bloom, which is sometimes called moving them "in the green." However, this can be stressful for the plant and might result in fewer flowers the following year. If you must move them early, try to keep as much soil around the roots as possible and water them thoroughly in their new location.
Why are my daffodils only growing leaves and no flowers?
This is usually a sign that the bulbs are overcrowded. When there are too many bulbs in one spot, they compete for nutrients and space, which prevents them from forming flower buds. Digging them up and dividing the clump is the best way to encourage them to start blooming again.
How long can I keep daffodil bulbs out of the ground?
Daffodil bulbs can stay out of the ground for several months if they are stored in a cool, dry place with good airflow. However, they must be replanted in the fall. They cannot survive an entire year out of the soil because they need the cold winter temperatures to trigger their spring growth.
Do I need to wash the dirt off the bulbs before storing them?
It is best not to wash your bulbs with water. Excess moisture can lead to fungal growth or rot during storage. Instead, let the bulbs dry for a few days and then gently brush off the loose soil with your hands or a soft brush.
