I’m cutting back on the physical size of my garden, so am planting daffodils wherever there’s an empty space. So, my question is, “What do you do when a bulb has failed to grow and you want to plant a new bulb in that space?” Do you treat the soil in some way? Treat/dip the bulb in something? Thanks for your thoughts.
Mary Lou
I received, privately, two replies to this question. I also received, privately, messages from two other people asking if I’d received any replies. So I’m going to summarize the replies I received, and ask anyone else who has comments to please reply on Daffnet. I was looking for information for when a single bulb died, not the entire bed. In the past, I’ve had a professional treat the entire bed. So, here are the replies.
“First I would try to decide why the first bulb failed to grow. If it was basal rot (most probably), then I might use some Bio-Rush or Root shield in the root zone at planting time. I am beginning to think that for the trichoderma to be most effective, the soil needs to be treated probably 3 times a year–once at planting time, again in spring, and then in about August to reinforce the anti-fusarium activity. If the old bulb died from fly larva, there should be no problem. Imidacloprid, liquid or granules, does the job. If nematodes, the remedy would be completely different.”
“You don’t plant more daffodils into a space where bulbs died/disappeared without treating the soil. If it is a small space, use bleach. If a larger space, hire a licensed fumigator to detox the area. Sun solarization may work in an area that gets full sun all summer–about 90 days in 90 degree weather.”
Mary Lou