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Forcing Daffodils

© Clay Higgins

Forcing Daffodils

One of the oldest arts of daffodil culture is causing the spring-flowering daffodils to bloom before its "time." To do this, sometimes we humans have to institute a process to help "mother-nature" along. That process is called "forcing" and is normally done by commercial growers, but anyone can do it. If you haven't done it before, it's easy. A similar, or related process is growing daffodils in pots, which is next week's subject.

My climactical environment in metropolitan Washington, DC., is not considered a good area to force daffodils, as it is not usually cold long enough to keep the pots outside. However, I have taken advise from some of the experts in the field, and by using that advise have had some success with forced daffodils. My experience, however, tells me that there are differences between forcing bulbs and growing daffodils in pots.

Forcing.

Forcing can provide a steady supply of daffodils from late December through April. Forcing bulbs is a challenge that can be met by the average gardener, and is both fun and provides a sense of achievement. One of the two best links that I have found on the subject of forcing daffodils is Home Forcing of Daffodil provided by North Carolina State University Extension Service. This link provides a very detailed regiment and procedures for the home forcing of daffodils. I can hardly add anything of value and suggest that if you are interested in forcing that you download this information and keep it handy as a reference.

Clemson university also provides excellent resources for daffodil growing and forcing at Crop-Specific Guidelines for Growers of daffodils. I am of the opinion that to accomplish the early forcing of daffodils, one would have to have a large refrigerator, or a room with a temperature control that goes down past 40 degrees F., or live in a colder climate than the zone 7 in the Washington DC metro area.

Forcing Outdoors

If you have at least 13 weeks of cold temperature, between 43 and 48 degree "F", you can force daffodils outdoors without a refrigerator. Pot the daffodils according to your local time for the chill to start. Water the pots and keep them in a cool place, such as on the concrete floor of the garage. After a month or so and when the cold is beginning to set in, take them outside and bury them in a trench and cover with about six inches of mulch.