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Gardening in the UK

Daffodils - help needed!

20 years ago

Hi

I planted some daffodil bulbs in containers at the beginning of September. The containers are in a relatively sheltered spot but they are outside. A couple of weeks ago I noticed some small shoots - I think they were caused by the continued warm weather. I added another inch or so of compost and therefore buried the shoots. Unfortunately the shoots have come through yet again and there is no more space at the top of the containers to add more compost. With the weather having turned very cold recently, I'm worried the shoots will die. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

garden_nerd
20 years ago
I think Daffs are pretty tough. Remember, they would be shooting in February when we get harsher weather than anything we are experiencing now. Now that the weather has turned cold they'll probably stop growing so fast. If you're really worried you could lay a piece of fleece over them.
flora_uk
20 years ago
I'm with nerd. Leave them alone. It sounds as if they were stored a bit too warm before you got them and planted them. They'll sort themselves out.

My only other thought is, are you sure you got daffodils and not Paperwhite narcissi which shoot very quickly if they are in light and are not frost proof. They are for growing indoors for very early flowers.
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sara_uk
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for the advice. They are Narcissus Thalia. The instructions said they were suitable for planting in containers and garden borders, but also suitable for planting indoors. Do you think they will be okay outside? Thanks.
flora_uk
19 years ago
Thalia is perfectly hardy and very pretty. They'll be fine outside.
shrubs_n_bulbs
19 years ago
Whatever you do, don't bring them indoors. They have to get cold for a few months or they won't flower :)
sara_uk
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for the reassurance - I'll leave them outside and wait for some nice flowers in the Spring!

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