This is where human intervention can really help by manually dividing them. The result is well worth the effort as you’ll get a rapidly increasing collection of these splendid beacons of spring.



#1. Dig them up:

Whether they are in the ground or in pots, the foliage of daffodils will die off when the flowering season is over. Let them die right back, tying the brown leaves helps keep them tidy while you wait. Its important to let the foliage dry and die naturally — if you snip of the green foliage it will interrupt the natural hibernation patterns of the bulb as it is using this time to accumulate food for the next season. Use a fork and dig it in at an angle a few cms away from the plant and lever them up and out gently. (you do this to avoid spearing the bulb which is still tender). Shake of the soil and you can either divide and re-plant immediately or you can let them dry as you store them over summer.



#2. Drying or Curing the Bulbs:

This is not unlike drying a woollen jumper that’s been washed — they need plenty of air around them. A good method is to lay them in a single layer on a suspended fly screen or other fine mesh support — this lets the air get all around the bulb. Let them dry for a week or so then place them in a brown paper bag and store them in a dark but well ventilated cupboard until autumn.



#3. Dividing Bulbs:

In autumn when its time to plant, take the bulbs clusters and gently prize the young ones away from the parent.



The large ones will most likely produce the best flowers so when you re-plant, make sure you mix them up so as to get an even floral display.



#4. Re-Planting:

First loosen the soil (if its lawn then just do it gently) and work in some compost and a little organic bulb fertiliser then push in the bulb to a depth of about 20cms and cover with soil and firm down. A little water will get things going — then you’ll need to patient — at least until spring.



Note: Daffodils only need to be divided every three to four years