TOO THIRSTY, HUNGRY FOR NUTRIENTS, not allowed to “ripen” last year long enough, overcrowded–these are just a few of the reasons that Narcissus (and other bulbs) may be putting on a less-than-spectacular performance this spring, like the clump above with lots of leaves but only a single bloom. This quick FAQ gives all the reasons (or find out what to do about poorly flowering bulbs along with all kinds of other bulb answers on my bigger Flower-Bulb FAQs page).
THE LECTURE that he’s been giving for a number of years is not-so-subtly called “Kill Your Lawn.” Ecological horticulturist Dan Jaffe Wilder knows that starting over and creating an entire native habitat instead of a lawn isn’t for everyone. But Dan just wants to grab our attention and get us to start to make some changes at least in the way we care for the turfgrass we do want in our landscapes. And maybe give up a little square footage of it to some other kind of more diverse planting, too, like the wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana, inset). Alternative, more eco-focused styles of lawn care, along with some lawn alternatives is what he and I talked about on the podcast. Dan is Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts, and its 8,000-acre sanctuary. He’s also co-author with Mark Richardson of the book “Native Plants for New England Gardens.”
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Too warm a winter?
Not enough snow? (Not enough moisture, as the FAQ says)
We’ve certainly had that here in Southwestern Michigan. The daffs are a little sparse and thready-looking.
Hi, Laurie. I do think not enough chill period affects them, yes, you are so right. We probably had enough cold here this year in Zone B, even thought it wasn’t as cold as usual…and I say that because I see other cold-requiring plants like apple trees loaded with buds (so they had enough chill to set their flowers).
I would also add the dreaded Daffodil Bulb Fly as a reason your narcissus did not bloom this year. They are an awful pest and becoming more and more common.
with the near 80 degree days i’m watching my daffs just flop.
My daffodils always do well and yet my neighbor’s do not and he’s a master gardener. His wife thinks it’s because they water too much and it rots the bulbs. I tend to let nature water the plants except in the summer when we don’t get much rain.
Ann
I moved into a house last fall, and there are massive clumps of daffodils everywhere. And by that, I think a crazy person with a shovel went around blindfolded planting bulbs. Can I successfully move these before they bloom? Or should I wait until they are done for the year (and continue to look like a crazy person’s yard) despite the headache it will cause while mowing? Also, you do lovely things, and have inspired me to spend a ridiculous amount of money this year. Thank you!
I have a very substantial stand of reticulated iris that have naturalized in a bed. I had maybe a dozen blooms this year. Very disappointed. Not cold enough, no enough snow here in Ulster County? Daffodils are fine.
I have a clump in my main flowerbed that never blooms. I don’t water much in that bed, but I think it gets too much shade, will probably have to move it.
Hi, Sherri — sorry I missed this comment till now! I have similar situations under some big trees here and must divide some bulbs, too!