When Should I Apply Fertilizer To My Daffodil Foliage?

Q: My daffodil foliage is 10″ high and flower buds are emerging. Is now the time to apply fertilizer? 

A: It’s best to fertilize when foliage is 1″-2″ tall or about six weeks before flowering. An alternative is to use a single fall application of a slow-release fertilizer at planting and each fall thereafter. Bone meal is often recommended for bulbs but the phosphorus from bone meal is released slowly and does not move through the soil very well. Honestly, daffodils and tulips rarely need much fertilizer in order to bloom beautifully.

  • Advertisement