How to Dry Daffodil Bulbs

Overview

Bright yellow daffodils only flower in spring. According to the University of Illinois Extension, removing daffodil bulbs prevents overcrowding, but does not need to be done every year. The University of Missouri Extension recommends digging and drying daffodil bulbs once every five to 10 years, when the flowers decrease in bloom size compared to the prior year. By drying your daffodil bulbs, you increase their storage abilities and prevent potential rotting, which occurs with excess moisture.

Step 1

Dig daffodil bulbs out of the ground with a spade once the foliage begins to die.

Step 2

Rinse off the dirt from the bulbs and pat dry with a towel.

Step 3

Slide individual bulbs into the legs of nylon stockings so the bulbs do not overlap each other.

Step 4

Hang the bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated spot for two to three week until the bulbs dry out.

Step 5

Fill a sturdy box halfway with vermiculite or dry sand.

Step 6

Bury the daffodil bulbs upside down in the vermiculite or dry sand in the box for storage until replanting the bulbs in the spring. Wait until replanting to divide the bulbs by cutting offsets.

Step 7

Cut off any side bulbs (offsets) growing from the main bulb by severing them at their base with a knife and replant the bulbs.