How to Dig Up & Transfer Narcissus

Dig up narcissus bulbs after the foliage has died back from the plants, if you must move them during the summer months. Until this point, the plant makes and stores food in the bulb for next year's bloom. Interrupting the process may stress the plants and channel energy into new root formation, resulting in weak bulb production. For best results, wait until fall to move the bulbs.

Slide the blade of the spade under the bulbs and lift them free of the soil or remove them with your hands or a trowel. Inspect the bulbs for any signs of disease or decay. Healthy bulbs are plump and firm. Discard any discolored or soft bulbs.

Place the bulbs in a dry, shaded area for two to three days to dry. Remove excess soil from the bulbs, once they have dried. Dried soil brushes freely from the bulbs.

Place the dried bulbs in a paper bag or layer them in a box. Peat moss may be added to cover the bulbs if desired, but it is not necessary. Store the bulbs in a cool dark, dark area until planting time in the fall.

Replant the bulbs in the desired location four to six weeks before the ground freezes in the fall. Position the bulbs -- with the pointed end up -- at a depth of two to three times the diameter of the bulbs. Fall planting allows roots to form and prepares the bulbs for spring blooming.