What Are the Stages of Daffodils?

Root Growth

• New daffodil bulbs are typically planted in the fall, at three times the depth of the bulb height. This spacing allows the bulb to use its energy reserve to form a strong shoot before reaching sunlight, when it branches into separate sections, and could become spindly if it arrives at the surface too early. For bulbs that were already in the ground, the return of cooler temperatures and more moisture signal the plant to start growing again and develop roots.

Foliage Growth

• Over the winter, roots continue to develop, and the bulb sends up a shoot, the first leaves of the season. These leaves perform essential photosynthesis to convert water, carbon dioxide and minerals into food for the plant. The energy to metabolize these elements comes from sunlight, which is captured by chlorophyll in the leaves. Leaves continue to feed the plant as long as they are green, which it why it is important not to remove them until after blooms have finished.

Budding and Flowering

• Increase in sunlight and rising temperatures in the spring stimulate the plant to form a flower, its means to sexual reproduction. A bud forms, which already contains all of the reproductive parts; in fact, these are present in the bulb as early as the previous autumn. Every daffodil flower contains six stamens and anthers (male parts) and one pistil and stigma (female part). Once the blossoms open, daffodils can either self-pollinate, producing a replica of that plant, or cross-pollinate, producing a new plant with a unique set of genes. Pollination can happen from the wind, insects, or can be done by hand.

Bulb Growth and Dormancy

• After the flower has been pollinated and fades, the plant sends remaining energy to the swollen leaves of the bulb. As the temperature continues to increase and less moisture is present, the plant is forced into dormancy, a period with no active growth. The roots die back, but the plant does not die; the bulb, full of stored energy, waits for cool weather and moisture to return in order to begin growing again.