Curing Daffodil Bulbs: Guide To Digging And Storing Daffodil Bulbs

Daffodil bulbs are extremely hardy bulbs that survive winters in the ground in all but the most punishing winters and hot summers. If you live north of USDA plant hardiness zone 3 or south of zone 7, it’s a good idea to store your daffodil bulbs during the off-season, a process also known as “curing.” Storing daffodil bulbs is also a good idea if you want to replant the daffodils in a different location for the next blooming season. Read on to learn about curing daffodil bulbs and daffodil bulb storage.

Digging and Storing Daffodil Bulbs

Remove the wilted blooms, then leave the daffodils alone until the green foliage dies down and turns brown. Don't rush; the green foliage absorbs sunlight, which provides energy that the bulbs will use later to create new blooms. Cut the wilted foliage at soil level, then lift the bulbs carefully from the ground. Dig several inches from the plant to avoid slicing into the bulbs. Use your hands to brush excess soil from the daffodil bulbs. Discard any bulbs that are soft, damaged or moldy. Place the bulbs in a warm, dry location for a few hours, or until any remaining mud has dried and the outer covering is dry and papery.

How to Cure Daffodil Bulbs

In the curing and storage of daffodil bulbs, brush off any dry soil, then place the dry bulbs in a ventilated bag, such as a mesh vegetable bag or a nylon stocking. Good locations for daffodil bulb storage include a garage or a cool, dry basement. Be sure the bulbs aren't exposed to dampness, freezing temperatures, excessive heat or direct sunlight. Let the bulbs cure until the next planting season, then inspect the bulbs and discard any that didn't survive the storage period. Replant the bulbs four to six weeks before the average first frost in your area.