How to Split Daffodils

Late spring, when tulips and daffodils begin to wane, is the time to rearrange your early blooming flower beds. If you noticed that your once-vibrant daffodil bed is looking haggard and sparse, this indicates that you need to dig up the daffodil bulbs and divide them. Split daffodils every three years or so -- they will tell you when it's time to dig them up. After rearranging the bulbs, you can anticipate a renewed daffodil bloom the following spring.

Shovel
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Split daffodils when the foliage yellows. Do not cut down the foliage, though, because it will help you locate the bulbs beneath the soil.
- 2
  Push the shovel into the soil about 6 inches away from the center of a daffodil plant. Keep digging all the way around the edges to dig a circle. Dig at least 6 inches down into the soil and then gently angle the shovel beneath the bulb to lift it from the soil.
- 3
  Grasp the bulb by the foliage and shake off the loose soil.
- 4
  Examine the bulb, looking for any unhealthy portions. Break any soft or decaying portions of the bulb off with your hands and discard.
- 5
  Break apart the bulbs, separating the newer bulb growth from the original bulbs. Cut off the stems just above the bulbs with the pruning shears.
- 6
  Dig new holes for the split daffodil bulbs, spacing the holes about 6 inches apart and digging them between 5 and 6 inches deep.
- 7
  Plant the newly split bulbs immediately, placing each bulb in a prepared hole with the roots facing down and the stem ends facing up. Cover the bulbs with soil.
- 8
  Water the newly split and planted bulbs thoroughly to saturate the soil evenly.

How to Grow Lilies As a Cut Flower

My Daffodils Are Not Blooming

Bulbs