Plant daffodils now?

I have a bunch of spring bulbs that never got planted, for reasons that make no difference. I will be able to do that this week, but wonder if there's any point? They've been in a cool room, but not cold, and I haven't opened the box, yet. Is there a better time to do it? I could refrigerate them now, to plant later, if that would help.
I don't care if they don't bloom this year, I bought them to be here for many years to come. They aren't fancy types, just naturalizing mix, as I remember, and an assortment of "Spring bulbs". I had great plans, but life, and the weather, got in the way....
I feel badly about this, but will do what I can to remedy it, if there's anything to be done.

sigh

Margo

Hi,
Once the ground is workable, I would put them in now. There is little point in waiting and if they produce flowers, which will weaken the bulbs, I would remove them. That way, they get a full year to develope for next year and you should have a really good display then.
Good luck.

I would wait untill fall. Dafs need to be very cold for about 6 weeks to get them to bloom.

Since they've been out of the soil for some months already, I'd follow lortay's advice. If you wait to plant them until next fall, over 8 months away, you probably will have nothing left. It's much better to lose one season's bloom than to lose all the bulbs.

I strongly suggest you plant them now......leaving them out until coming Fall will not be good. Plant them now and give them some fertilizer when they come up and after they have flowered.

Just a thought - what about mixing some bulb fertilizer in the bottom of each hole before planting? I've heard that helps too.

The bulb first has to make roots before it can take up the nutrients and since the nutrients go down, the roots just chase the fertilizer.

Thank you, I needed the help:) I will go ahead and get them in ground. I can't help but think they're better off that way, than in the fridge. I'll remove the flowers if they try to bloom, but at least they'll be "home", and i won't need to worry about them.

As always, I appreciate the advice!

You're very welcome. Glad to help.

You can let them flower with no problem, just make nsure that as soon as the flower wilts, you cut it off. Enjoy them.

I really suggest you plant your daffodils asap.
I normally order mine when they go on 50% or 75% sale on the web ... which is normally late december.
I planted them as soon as the soil is workable.
The daffodil will flower when it has enough energy for the first year ... maybe late april ...
Next year it will reset its clock and bloom at its proper time.

I'll start today (if the rain holds off) and continue until all 300+ are safely nestled in their new homes.....

Thanks!

They're showing! At least some of them, and I expect the others to follow :). I found one that I thought was dead, and just left to the side, and last week I found it well sprouted where I had left it, and planted it near it's friends..

Thank you for all your help, and encouragement.

I think.

I did find myself strangely compelled to order more bulbs.....

catmad....perhaps you are going to be Bulbmad like so many of us. Some Narcissus (500) that I intentionally bought in Jan.on sale and planted in Feb. are showing too, just as Bleek told me they would. Thrust the Dutchman and his bulbs. Patti

I'm afraid I'm well on my way. I am annoying my other half greatly, as I now tell him he can't mow until they die back.

You'd think he'd be grateful....:)

Well, yes, especially since better half did not have to plant them. That's a lot of bulbs. Many of us have found or forgot or what ever to plant bulbs when they were suppose to.

Thought I'd update my experience. The first daffodil is blooming:). I was concerned, as it seemed to be so very short, but that's apparently the way it's meant to be. It's less than three inches tall, and tiny, but absolutely perfect. Guess it'a mini. I planted most of the very small bulbs in this area, so maybe it will be a Mini Garden.

Thanks for the help, It's paying off :)

So happy for you your daffodils are blooming. I thought they would wait until next year. Daffs are pretty tough plants.

Thanks, I'm happy, too. I don;t think they'll _all_ bloom, by any means, but looking at the others in the same little spot, some more seem to be tinies too, and ready to bloom.
It'a an unexpected bit of happy:)

To me, bulbs are always an "unexpected bit of happy"! That's a great way of describing them!
My tulips are starting to bloom, a lot of my daffodils are finishing up, but I have some that will start blooming.

I'm surprised that so many are blooming:). They seem to be doing very well, and I think next year will be even better :)
I do notice that they are not holding the blooms as long, but I suspect the heat is the cause.
Should I cut the spent blooms? High, or low?
Thanks!

I usually just pop the top of the stem off, but you could cut it to the bottom. Cutting the flower/stem allows the plant to put all the energy into the bulb instead of the flower/stem.

Make sure yo'all are feeding your bulbs right after flowering, y'hear!

Okay, that's good to know...what is best to use, a "bulb" specific or a "flower"? I'm gonna have to order something anyway, so might as well get what's right....:)

Some 10-10-10 would be better then none.

Some 9-9-6 is better

Thanks! Will look for it:)