How to Care for Daffodils After They Bloom in Pots

Take the daffodils out of direct sunlight once they flower. The blooms will last longer. Move the pot to a cool location each night, such as a basement or heated sun porch. Cooler temperatures will lengthen the life of the blooms.

Keep the plants well watered. Do not allow the soil to dry out. When watering, place the pot into a sink, fill the pot with tepid water, and allow the pot to drain well. Water the flowering daffodils as needed to keep the soil moist.

Keep the foliage of daffodil bulbs growing as long as possible. Fertilize the bulbs with a water-soluble fertilizer, following the label directions. After the foliage has died back and turned yellow, plant the bulbs directly into your garden. If the soil outside is not yet workable, store the bulbs at 45 degrees Fahrenheit until you can plant them into the ground.

Forced daffodils can be removed from the pot and planted outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3B through and 10. Transplant the bulbs in early spring in a location that receives full sun part of the day. Dig a hole 4 to 5 inches deep with a hand spade. Place a bulb into the hole, and cover it with soil. Space the bulbs 8 inches apart. The daffodils will flower one to two years later.