Paul says it s important you remove the flowerheads or any developing seed pods from your tulips and daffodils to stop their energy going into seed production.
Growing daffodils in pots nz.
Since our tap water is alkaline and daffodils prefer an acid soil add about 1 teaspoon of ironite tm for 1 gallon pots and 2 teaspoons for 2 gallon pots.
Deep pots to let the roots run.
Autumn is the best time to plant bulbs in new zealand.
Never fear paul hoek from nz bulbs has given us his top tips for growing great tulips and divine daffodils.
Planting daffodils in containers daffodils can grow well in containers for up to three years if the pot is deep enough for their roots to fill out.
Cover the daffodils with a layer of compost and press down firmly.
Feed bulbs when planting when stems begin to appear when starting to flower and when dying down.
Plant in sunny well drained site starting in late february through till the end of may when the soil temperatures are cooler.
Daffodils will tolerate some crowding but they prefer to be spaced about 3 to 6 inches apart.
Choose a well drained site for your daffodil s as they loathe wet feet.
Three essential ingredients for successfully growing daffodils in containers are.
Where winters are severe make sure there are at least 3 inches of soil covering the bulb.
Choose a pot that is 8 to 12 inches in diameter and at least 8 inches deep.
Add a layer of bulb mix and p lant your bulbs at a depth twice their diameter.
Naturally these containers are placed outside.
Growing daffodil s is easy generally all they need is a good fertile free draining soil and plenty of sun.
The deeper the better since daffodil roots like to reach down about 12 inches.
Water and lots of it during the growing and flowering time.
Water your bulbs well after planting.
They thrive in pots containers too so you have lots of options about where you can place and plant your bulbs.
The larger the bulb the better.
This gives the plant a little added potassium and helps build the bulb for next year s bloom.
Water in well once planted.
This helps keep the soil acidic.
Select high quality daffodil bulbs that have not been dried out.
Combine daffodils with perennials or annuals and don t forget to water.
Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets.
The choice of pots is only limited by your imagination but for best results choose a deep pot with sufficient drainage holes.
Store in cool position until buds start to appear through the soil.
After blooming add a pinch of 5 10 10 fertilizer to the pot.
In case of persistent dry weather they should be watered.
If growing in pots plant 4 5cm deep and allow 10 15 bulbs for 15 20cm pots.
Plant in free draining soil.
Finally the last layer of soil can be added and lightly tamped.
Plant bulbs 1 to 5 times their own depth.
How to plant daffodils.
