As a daffodil, my needs are simple but specific. My relationship with water is fundamental to my existence, especially when confined to a container where my roots cannot seek out moisture on their own. The frequency of watering is not a fixed schedule but a response to my ever-changing environment. To truly thrive, you must learn to listen to what my soil and I are telling you.
This is when my thirst is greatest. From the moment my green shoot emerges from the soil until my beautiful flower finally fades, I am working tirelessly. I am channeling energy and vast amounts of water to fuel this spectacular display. During this period, the goal is to keep my soil consistently moist, but never soggy. Imagine a well-wrung sponge; that is the ideal moisture level for my roots. You should check my soil every 2-3 days by inserting your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time for a thorough, deep watering until you see water begin to drain freely from the holes in the bottom of my container. This ensures my entire root system gets a drink.
After my flowers are spent, do not abandon me! This is a critical time. While I may no longer be putting on a show, my foliage is my solar panel. I am using sunlight to photosynthesize and send energy down to my bulb to store for next year's growth. If you cut off my water now, my leaves will yellow and wither prematurely, leaving my bulb undernourished and weak. Continue to water me regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. The frequency will likely decrease as the weather cools, but my soil should never become bone dry for an extended period.
Once my foliage has turned yellow and brown naturally and died back, I am entering my dormant rest period. My need for water diminishes dramatically. At this point, overwatering is your greatest enemy, as it will cause my dormant bulb to rot. You should significantly reduce watering. The goal is to keep my soil barely moist, almost dry, to prevent the bulb from desiccating completely. If my container is left outdoors and receives rain, you may not need to water me at all. If I am stored in a garage or shed, a very light watering every 4-6 weeks might be necessary, but only if the soil is powdery dry.
You must always consider the conditions around me, as they drastically alter how quickly I use water. On a hot, sunny, or windy day, moisture evaporates from my soil and through my leaves much faster than on a cool, cloudy, or humid day. A porous terracotta pot will wick away moisture more quickly than a plastic or glazed ceramic pot. A larger mass of soil will retain water longer than a small amount. Therefore, you must always use the "finger test" to check my soil's moisture level before watering, rather than following a rigid calendar schedule. Your attentive care is the key to my success.
