How to Force Daffodils

Forcing daffodils sound much worse than it actually is. In reality, you are not "forcing" them, you are "tricking" them into thinking that winter is over and it is time to bloom. Daffodils can be forced at any time of the year provided that bulbs are available. The process takes at least sixteen weeks to bring the daffodils into bloom, so plan accordingly.

In order to force daffodils, you will need daffodil bulbs, planting medium, gravel or drainage material, and a container. Your planting medium must drain well but keep enough moisture in order for the bulbs to grow. A good combination is one-third loamy soil, one-third peat, and one-third sand. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Fertilizer is not needed because daffodil bulbs already have all the food needed for them to bloom. Make sure your container has adequate drainage holes. Clay pots should be soaked overnight before they are used to prevent them from drawing moisture away from the soil.

It is important to choose your daffodils wisely because not all varieties force well. A list of daffodil varieties that are known to force well is located at the end of this article. If you need to store your bulbs before planting, keep your bulbs in a well-ventilated area with temperatures between 45°F and 50°F (unless they are Tazetta daffodils). Temperatures above 63°F should be avoided. Bare bulbs can be stored for several weeks before planting. Do not store bulbs near ripening fruit because it gives off a gas that will kill the bulbs.

Planting

Before planting, fill your pot with a layer of gravel or other drainage material and a layer of soil leaving about two inches from the top of the pot. The bulbs should be set so that the nose of the bulb is even with the top of the pot. Add the bulbs so that they are close together. You can usually fit about four to five bulbs into a six-inch pot. Then, cover the daffodil bulbs loosely with soil until it is about one-fourth of an inch from the top. Do not press the bulbs into the soil.