Daffodils are the true heralds of spring. Or are they?
Did you know that there are daffodil varieties that can thrive in winter? In fact, if you plant them in the right conditions, you can have your own daffodils ready in time for Christmas.
And the best part is that the variety I have in mind is snow white. That means it goes perfectly with your Christmas decor.
With the right technique, you can force your daffodils to flower in winter. Here’s how!
Let’s get started!
#1 Choose The Right Variety
The best short daffodils for spring aren’t necessarily the ones suitable for winter growing.
Instead, try the cultivar ‘Paperwhite Ziva.’ The combination of white stars and trumpets is perfect for the holiday season.
And it responds well to forcing.
‘Paperwhite Ziva’ daffodils will fill your home with an irresistible fragrance. This makes them unique Christmas plants and live decorations.
#2 Ensure The Bulbs Are Viable
Once you get your daffodil, it is time to check whether the bulbs are viable. The best way to do this is to squish them between your fingers.
If the bulbs are hard, that means they are viable. Squishy bulbs won’t sprout, so make sure you only plant the hard ones.
#3 Get To Planting
Now we come to the most interesting part – planting. Planting bulbs in perennial borders is different than forcing them for indoor use.
You have to start this early if you want them to decorate your home during the holidays.
Place the bulbs in a container filled with high quality potting medium. Ensure that the tip is facing upwards and do not cover it with the growing medium. Afterwards, water your bulbs thoroughly to give them everything they need.
#4 Chill The Bulbs
After planting your daffodils, it is time to chill them. Spring bulbs need the cold to sprout. That’s why you should expose them to temperatures of around 40-45°F for 12-16 weeks.
Another demand daffodils have is the need for darkness. That’s why refrigerators work great for forcing these bulbs.
Pro tip: Water your bulbs regularly during cold storage or they won’t sprout.
#5 Adjust The Temperature
Cold stratification doesn’t last forever. Once your daffodil bulbs have had enough time to cool down, it is time to increase the temperature.
You’ll know it’s time to move your daffodils from the fridge once you notice yellow shoots emerging.
Move your bulbs to a cooler and darker spot. A room with low-to-medium light levels and temperatures between 50 and 60°F is perfect.
The shoots should turn green in about 4-5 days. That’s your cue to move these plants to a warmer and brighter location. A spot with temperatures between 60-70°F and bright indirect light is perfect.
Make sure to keep your daffodils well-irrigated, and that’s it. Follow these steps, and you’ll have flowering daffodils 2-3 weeks after removing them from cold storage.
Bonus Tip: Plant Your Spring Bulbs Now
Don’t despair if you’ve missed your chance to force daffodil bulbs! You can still plant them outdoors and have them blooming come spring.
November is the last month when you can plant these bulbs, so hurry up!
Remember, as long as the ground is workable and not frozen, you can plant your spring bulbs.