Greetings, caretaker. We are the daffodil bulbs, dormant and full of potential life. To ensure we awaken vibrant and healthy next spring, you must provide us with the correct conditions during our summer slumber. Here is what we need from you, from our perspective.
Before you even think of lifting us from the soil, you must understand a critical phase. After our beautiful blooms fade, our leaves remain. We use these leaves to photosynthesize, gathering sunlight and converting it into energy. This energy is transported down to our bulbs, fueling the development of next year's flower deep within us. Please, do not cut back our foliage until it has turned completely yellow and withered. This process is how we pack our lunch for the long dormancy ahead.
Patience is key. The correct time to lift us from our bed is after our foliage has died back naturally, typically in late spring or early summer. The soil should be dry. Gently dig around our cluster, being careful not to pierce or bruise our tender skins. Lift us out and gently brush off the loose, dry soil. Do not wash us with water, as this can encourage rot during storage. We need to be dry.
Once we are out of the ground, we require a period of curing. Place us in a single layer in a well-ventilated, shady, and dry location—like a garden shed or a garage. Leave us here for about a week. This process allows any minor wounds on our outer layers to callous over and any remaining moisture on our surface to evaporate fully. This step is crucial for preventing fungal infections while we sleep.
After curing, we need a suitable container for our long rest. We prefer breathable materials. A mesh bag, a paper bag with several holes punched in it, or a cardboard box are perfect choices. These allow for continuous air circulation, preventing mold and rot. You may also nestle us in a box of slightly moistened peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, but ensure the medium is only just damp, not wet. Our biggest fear is excess moisture, which will cause us to rot.
Our storage location must be just right. We require a place that is cool, dark, and has excellent air circulation. The ideal temperature range for our dormancy is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). A dry basement, a cool closet, or a ventilated garage often provides these conditions. Please keep us away from fruit, such as apples, which release ethylene gas that can damage our internal flower development. Check on us periodically throughout the summer for any signs of softness, mold, or desiccation.
