I would like to validate digging and replanting daffodil bulbs when they are green.
The place where they are dug will be in Southern Virginia, and hopefully while the foliage is still green. The bulbs are in bloom now. The soil is red clay with some sand.
These bulbs need to be moved. They are at a historic site, which may have some renovation in the near future. The renovation could damage or kill the bulbs where they are located.
The goal is to move them to a safe location on the property that is protected from the construction.
My thoughts are to dig a spade/clump of soil working to avoid damaging the roots and replanting that clump relatively intact in the protected bed–then watering them.
The bulbs being moved we believe are historic. They are later to be replanted in a special garden after the reconstruction has been completed.
In my climate I have no problem digging and replanting bulbs whilst in growth but would not do so more than six weeks after flowering. I would not dig and replant closer to a hot, dry summer.
Lewis, I’ve done this with no ill effect, the one caveat being that the new bed is ready and waiting, followed by consistent watering
Lewis, I’ve done this with no ill affect, the one caveat being that the new bed is ready and waiting, followed by consistent watering.
Lewis,
It should not be a problem. However, it depends on how soon after blooming
that you are moving them. If I was correct in reading it as 6 weeks after
blooming, there is no issue at all as the normal time for digging is 6 to 8
weeks after bloom.
I have dug daffodils while they are in bloom and immediately replanted them
fast enough that the roots and soil in them did not dry, and they did
well. I watered them in but after that I gave them normal watering. After
planting the daffodil blooms look “rattie” but the following year they were
fine.
Mary Lou Gripshover wrote an article a few years ago about her moves from
one location to another. Sometimes those moves were in the spring season.
In it she wrote that she dug them while green, let them dry and replanted
at the next location without serious effect. Maybe she will get on this
and provide instructions.
Clay