From our perspective as daffodils, water is the essence of life, but its application must be perfectly timed. Our growth cycle begins in the cool autumn soil. After you plant our bulbs, we require a thorough, deep watering to signal the start of the growing season and to encourage our roots to stretch down and establish a strong foundation. This initial drink is crucial for our development. Throughout the winter, in most American climates, natural rainfall and snowmelt are sufficient. We are dormant and our water needs are minimal; in fact, soggy, waterlogged soil will cause our bulbs to rot, which is a fatal condition for us.
As the days lengthen and the soil warms in early spring, we break dormancy and begin our rapid growth towards the sun. This is our most thirsty period. Consistent moisture is vital from the time our green shoots emerge until our flowers finally fade. We prefer the equivalent of about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. The goal is to keep the soil moist but never saturated. Think of a well-wrung sponge. Deep, infrequent watering is far better than frequent sprinkles, as it encourages our root systems to grow deeper, making us more resilient and better at accessing water on our own.
Sunlight is not merely a preference; it is the very fuel that powers our existence. Through photosynthesis, we convert sunlight into the energy stored within our bulbs, which dictates the vigor of our growth and the brilliance of our blooms. We require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily during our growth and flowering stage. In American climates, this means a placement in full sun to light afternoon shade. In the deep South (USDA zones 8-9), some protection from the intense afternoon sun is appreciated, as it can scorch our petals and leaves. In cooler northern zones (3-6), we bask in and require all the sun we can get to fully recharge our bulbs.
Once our beautiful flowers wither, your job is not done. This is the most critical time for our long-term health. While we no longer need as much water, it is imperative that you continue to water us as our leaves remain green. We are now engaged in the vital work of photosynthesis, sending energy down to our bulb to store for next year's show. Cutting back our foliage too early, or ceasing to water, starves us and results in a weak, or even non-existent, bloom the following spring. Only when our leaves have turned yellow and brown naturally can you stop watering us, as we are then entering our summer dormancy.
When summer arrives and our foliage has died back, our needs change dramatically. We require a period of dry dormancy. During this time, excessive moisture is our greatest enemy, promoting fungal diseases and bulb rot. This is naturally achieved in many western and plains states but can be a challenge in regions with wet, rainy summers. In those areas, if we are planted in poorly draining soil, it may be necessary to lift our bulbs and store us in a cool, dry place until autumn, though we greatly prefer to be left undisturbed in a well-draining bed.
