I am currently in the process of forcing a few daffodil bulbs for the first time ever I'm excited about it My question is though, that I planted a few bulbs in a pot over the summer and decided to transfer them into the ground while they were in the process of growing. When I did this, they died, and seeing as we're having 60 degree days here in Indiana, I've noticed that they are coming up again. I've got an itch to dig them up and bring them inside, but I'm afraid if I do this, I'll kill them again and it won't be worth the time. Does anyone know if I can do that? If I just dig them up and bring them indoors to store in a cool, dark place for a time, will they bloom indoors this winter or is it really too late for that?
Love the daffodils. Daffodils need a chill (35-48F)to bloom. This is the time they set root growth. It is recommended if forcing bulbs to start with fresh big bulbs each year if you want blooms. Forcing weakens the bulbs and they usually don't flower the next year. If left in the garden they will set to a more natural cycle and replenish themselves and make more bulbs. Daffodils naturally die back and are dormant during the summer. Mine are over-planted with perennials that cover the dieing foliage in the late spring/early summer. Hope this helps a little. I have many different varieties of daffs and they are my favorite spring bulb. I just love the fragrance. Happy gardening
Thank you for the quick response Jewell I appreciate it! The thing is, I don't remember what the name of the flowers are that I planted in pots, then in the ground over the summer. They weren't Daffodils though. My Daff's are in the fridge in vases filled with water right now, so hopefully it's chilled enough for them there. So, do you think I should just leave the ones outside in the ground for next summer; seeing as they never got to bloom in the first place?
If they are daffodils I would leave them in the ground to replenish themselves. Paperwhites don't need to be chilled and are in the grocery stores this time of year. They look like daffodils but aren't winter hardy in cold climates. Here is a short article from the site for University of Minnesota's Extension that will probably be able to answer most of your questions about forcing bulbs. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1116.html It is sure fun to experiment with plants. Good luck and happy gardening
