How To Transplant Daffodils

Knowing how to transplant daffodils is a key skill for any gardener wanting to move these cheerful spring blooms. Whether your clumps are overcrowded or you’re simply redesigning a bed, this guide will walk you through the simple process.

Transplanting, also called dividing, helps daffodils stay healthy and bloom profusely. It’s not a difficult task, but timing and technique are everything. Let’s get your daffodils settled into their new home.

This main process is straightforward. You’ll dig up the bulbs, prepare a new site, and replant them. The best results come from paying attention to a few important details during each phase.

When is the Best Time to Move Daffodil Bulbs?

Timing is the most critical factor for success. Get this right, and your daffodils will thank you with vigorous growth.

Ideal Time: Late Spring to Early Summer. The perfect window is after the foliage has turned yellow and begun to die back, but before it completely disappears. This usually happens 6-8 weeks after blooming ends.
Why Then? At this stage, the bulbs have absorbed enough energy from the dying leaves for next year’s bloom. The bulbs are also dormant, so they experience less shock from being moved.
Fall Transplanting: If you must move them in fall, be extreamly careful. Mark the location while the leaves are still visible, as the bulbs will be completely dormant and easy to lose.
Avoid: Never transplant daffodils while they are in bloom or still have green, healthy foliage. This severely disrupts their growth cycle.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth and easy. You likely have most of these already.

A garden fork or spade
Gardening gloves
A basket or tray for collected bulbs
Garden trowel
Compost or well-rotted manure
Bone meal or bulb fertilizer (optional)
Watering can or hose

Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions

Follow these numbered steps for the best outcome. Work carefully to avoid damaging your precious bulbs.

Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Site

Always dig the new holes first. This minimizes the time bulbs spend out of the ground. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
Mix in a few inches of compost to improve fertility and drainage.
If your soil is heavy clay, adding some coarse sand can really help.

Step 2: Carefully Dig Up the Daffodil Clump

Use a garden fork instead of a spade to reduce the risk of slicing through bulbs. Insert the fork into the soil about 6 inches away from the base of the foliage.

Lever the fork gently to loosen the soil and lift the entire clump.
Shake off excess soil to reveal the bulbs. You’ll often find a large cluster connected.

Step 3: Separate and Inspect the Bulbs

Gently twist the bulbs apart by hand. Discard any that are soft, mushy, or show signs of disease.

Keep the largest, firmest bulbs for replanting. These are the most likly to flower next spring.
You can replant smaller offsets, but know they may take a couple years to reach blooming size.
Leave any remaining foliage attached; it will wither naturally.

Step 4: Replant the Bulbs at the Right Depth

This is a common mistake. Planting too shallow can lead to poor flowering.

A good rule is to plant bulbs at a depth three times their height. For most daffodils, this means a hole 6-8 inches deep.
Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up.
Space bulbs 3-6 inches apart, depending on the variety.

Step 5: Backfill, Fertilize, and Water

Fill the hole back in with your improved soil mix. Gently firm the soil around the bulb to eliminate large air pockets.

Sprinkle a little bone meal or bulb fertilizer into the planting hole as you backfill for a nutrient boost.
Give the newly planted area a thorough watering. This settles the soil and provides needed moisture.

Aftercare for Transplanted Daffodils

Your job isn’t quite done after planting. A little care ensures they establish well.

Watering: Continue to water the area if you have a dry spell in the weeks after planting. The bulbs are forming new roots.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch (like shredded leaves or bark) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Don’t smother them.
Patience: If you transplanted in late spring, the bulbs will be dormant until the following spring. They may not send up any green growth until then.
Mark the Spot: It’s easy to forget where you planted. Use a small label or marker so you don’t accidentally dig there later.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to do.

Transplanted Daffodils Not Flowering

This is called “blindness.” Several factors can cause it.

Planted Too Shallow: This is the most common reason. Bulbs need that depth for stability and proper temperature regulation.
Divided Too Small: Very small offset bulbs need time to mature. They’ll often leaf but not bloom for a year or two.
Insufficient Sunlight: Did the new location get enough sun? They need at least half a day of direct light.
Foliage Removed Too Early: Never braid or cut the leaves green last season. The bulb couldn’t store enough energy.

Can You Transplant Daffodils in the Spring?

It’s not recommended, but if you have no choice, be prepared for setbacks.

If you must move them while in bloom, try to keep as much soil around the roots as possible and replant immediatly.
Water them well after the move. Expect the flowers to wilt and the plant to focus on root recovery. It may not bloom again next year.

FAQ About Moving Daffodils

How often should daffodils be divided?

Every 3 to 5 years. You’ll know it’s time when the clumps become very crowded and flower production decreases, with lots of leaves but fewer blooms.

Can I transplant daffodils after they bloom?

Yes, but wait until the foliage starts to yellow. Moving them right after the petals fall, while leaves are still fully green, harms the bulb’s ability to store energy.

How deep do you replant daffodil bulbs?

Plant them 6 to 8 inches deep, measured from the base of the bulb. In lighter, sandy soil, you can plant on the deeper end of that range.

Do you water daffodil bulbs after planting?

Yes, give them a good watering once after planting to settle the soil. After that, only water if the autumn is particularly dry, as they need to develop roots.

Can you move daffodils in the green?

Moving “in the green” means while they still have leaves. It’s better than moving them in full bloom, but still not ideal. If you do, keep the rootball intact and water thoroughly. The leaves may die back quickly, which is normal.

What is the best fertilizer for transplanted daffodils?

A low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer is best. Bone meal, bulb fertilizer, or a general-purpose fertilizer like a 5-10-10 mix works well. Apply it at planting time.

Transplanting daffodils is a simple and rewarding garden task. By choosing the right moment and handling the bulbs with care, you ensure these golden heralds of spring continue to brighten your garden for many years to come. Remember, the effort you put in during the dormant season is what creates the spectacular show when spring finally arives. With your newfound knowledge, you can confidently manage and enjoy your daffodil collection.