I Have Daffodil Bulbs From Last Fall And I Did…
Alisha Asked
I have daffodil bulbs from last fall and I did not plant them, so I have them in the refrigerator and was wondering, if I planted them now, would come up in the spring?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Alisha in Kentucky: You are certainly not the first gardener to purchase spring blooming bulbs with the intent of planting them and somehow it just doesn’t happen. How long have the bulbs been in the refrigerator? And are they wrapped in a paper bag or how are they being stored? Daffodils require a chilling period of 10-12 weeks. This happens naturally outdoors but in your situation they could have been potted up in a container or stored in a paper bag in a cool dark space. So, there are a few factors that will determine the viability of your bulbs. The length of time they have been in the fridge, the temperature of the fridge, the amount of light exposure during this time, and whether or not you had fruit in the fridge while the bulbs were in there. Fruit releases ethylene gas as it ripens, which can prevent the bulbs from flowering. If the bulbs have been stored properly and they are still firm you can plant them now. If the bulbs are soft to the touch or moldy they are not worth planting. Keep in mind that this season they will not be vigorous but the good news is that if the bulbs are still viable, then you will still be able to enjoy them for years to come. Daffodils are perennial bulbs so even if they are not stunning this season, they will get their roots settled, store up nutrients, and be a wonderful surprise next spring. Remember to keep the foliage up as long as possible during the growing season so it can photosynthesize and feed the bulb. Daffodils prefer to grow in a space that receives full to part sun and well-drained soil.
