Can daffodils drown?
Erica68
Posts: 65
Last September I bought native daffodil bulbs and got my carer to plant them in the "lawn". The soil is heavy clay (London). We put a few in a big pot of planting soil bought from a gardening shop. All are the same. A few leaves/foilage and that is all. The garden is north facing and really soggy. Have my daffodils drowned?
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Some of mine have drowned but they were literally under water for weeks. If you've got leaves they're not dead so worth leaving there. Last year was very wet indeed, it must be better this year.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Yes, I agree with nutcutlet. Some of mine have definitely drowned in the wet (good excuse to buy more!), but any survivors will be left to recover.
If your soil is normally very wet, you might want to consider raising your daffodils in a pot, if you can manage the watering.
Do we need an excuse to buy more Alina?
I've dug some up this morning whilst in flower. a friend is having a large piece of garden laid to lawn. I went on a rescue job. Don't know how thay'll fare but the alternative was the tip.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Yes, my garden has been really squelchy but I am puzzled that the bulbs we put in the big pot, which is raized and so can drain, is jst the same. Is there any chance it could be the bulbs?
And do I just leave them there for next year?
When they die back I'd have a look at the bulbs, if they're nice and firm, that's good, keep them. Otherwise, don't bother.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Bulbs rarely do well in heavy soil and north facing is not going to help either. I have heavy soil and always add in grit and compost to keep the bulbs well drained. Part of the leaves only will be the poor light - they will be several weeks behind those in full sun, so there is hope. Not convinced they will do well in heavy soil that floods and in north facing situ long term.
To answer the question in general, bulbs like daffodils can survive flooding in winter but only for a few days.
I think I will be getting my daffodils in bunches from Sainsburys in future!
Erica68 - do try growing again if you can - there is nothing more uplifting than seeing those new shoots poking through the soil
I totally and absolutely refuse to buy daffs when I am able to have my own - I realise that maybe not be the case for you but don't give up yet! good luck !