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As soon as the snow melts, the first bulbous plants appear, including delicate daffodils. Novice gardeners believe that they are grown in the same way as tulips. But the result is lush greenery instead of flowers. The question of why daffodils do not bloom, despite painstaking care, can be answered by studying the possible reasons.
There are more than 60 natural varieties of daffodils, as well as many varieties and hybrids
When do daffodils bloom in Russia?
Daffodils belong to the category of perennial plants, so owners of personal plots eagerly take up their cultivation. The flowering time of bulbous crops, which include daffodils, is associated with two factors:
- natural area;
- flower variety.
In temperate climates, most varieties bloom in late April, early May. In the southern regions, the first flowers appear in March.
The time of year when most varieties of daffodil bloom is spring. But as a result of long-term selection, species have been bred that bloom in summer and autumn.
How long does the daffodil bloom?
The flowering period for daffodils is two to three weeks. By successfully combining several groups of plants in a flowerbed, you can achieve gradual succession in the budding of plantings.
Thanks to the combination of varieties, the flowerbed pleases the eye for several months
Why doesn't the daffodil bloom in the garden?
Blooming daffodils are a magnificent sight. Bright green leaves, elegant snow-white and golden flowers, delicate aroma. Unfortunately, flower lovers often encounter a problem when daffodils do not bloom. Agricultural specialists reveal the main reasons for the lack of flowering.
Unsuitable soil
Neutral or slightly acidic soils are suitable for growing daffodils. Optimal pH values are from 5 to 7. On acidified soil, bulbous crops develop poorly and do not bloom. When choosing a planting site, you should determine the pH level of the soil in the sector using an indicator. Litmus tests can be purchased at a pharmacy or gardening supply store.
Bulbs do not bloom in heavy (clay) soil and wetlands. In addition, the culture does not like fertile soil. Based on these needs, it is advisable to choose a garden sector with an average level of fertility for a flower bed with daffodils.
Close fit
Crowding is one of the common reasons for the lack of flowers. Intertwined roots fight for nutrients, moisture and oxygen. Competition between plants leads to the fact that daffodils do not bloom, but only form green sprouts.
When planting, it is important to maintain a distance of 10-15 cm between the bulbs.
A similar phenomenon is observed when flowers have not been planted for a long time. Experienced flower growers recommend replanting overgrown plantings every five years, as the bulbs gradually go deep into the soil and the daffodils stop blooming.
Shallow landing
Narcissus bulbs have a noticeably elongated shape, so if they are not deep enough into the ground, winter plantings are threatened by frost. Snowless winters pose a particular danger when planting small bulbs. Freezing leads to a delay in the development of the plant and, as a consequence, the absence of buds.
Excess or lack of nutrition
Lack of nutrients, as well as excess, adversely affects the structure of the plant. Fertilizing should occur in accordance with a schedule confirmed by many years of experience:
- Fertilize with a complete mineral complex upon emergence of seedlings.
- Fertilizing with potassium and nitrogen-containing compounds when flower stalks appear.
- Fertilize with phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium during bud formation.
- Fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium (or a special fertilizer for bulbous crops) of flowering plantings.
After the daffodils have flowered, fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium should be added to the soil. Per square meter of land requires 0.5 tablespoons of a mineral compound.
Early pruning of leaves
There is a connection between the time of removal of leaves after daffodils bloom and the absence of peduncles the following year. If the foliage is eliminated immediately after flowering, then the daffodils will not bloom in the spring. This relationship is explained simply: the process of photosynthesis occurs in green leaves, due to which flower embryos are formed in the bulbs. When the leaves are removed, the process is disrupted and buds are not formed. Pruning should be done only after the leaves have dried.
Lack of sun
Open areas well lit by the sun are most suitable for planting daffodils. Constant shading leads to the formation of a green mass, and the buds do not form.
Daffodils get along in the flowerbed with other bulbous flowers: tulips, hyacinths, irises
Improper watering
At the beginning of spring and during the flowering period, plantings require regular watering. Also, for one and a half months after the end of flowering, planting bulbous plants should be watered regularly. To set flowering buds, abundant, but not excessive watering is necessary.
Damaged bulbs
Poor quality planting material is a common cause of the formation of weak shoots. It is natural that weakened plants do not bloom. It is recommended to sort through the bulbs before planting, discarding soft and deformed ones. To increase immunity, any planting material, including bulbs, must be kept in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate.
Diseases and pests
Daffodils are unpretentious plants. Usually, if agrotechnical rules are followed, the plantings develop well and bloom. However, daffodils can be affected by infectious diseases. Most often, plants do not bloom due to infection with gray mold. The infection causes changes in the structure of the roots; the flowers do not receive adequate nutrition. To prevent infection in the spring, sprouts are sprayed (optional):
- 1% Bordeaux mixture;
- 0.5% copper oxychloride solution.
Treatment should be carried out every 10-12 days. At the end of flowering, the procedure stops.
Daffodil bulbs can be damaged by parasites. The narcissus fly is dangerous for bulbous crops. To prevent infection, the soil at the planting site is treated with insecticides.
Narcissus fly larvae, having settled in the pulp of the bulb, gnaw through numerous passages
Bulb mites and nematodes are no less dangerous for plantings. To prevent the proliferation of root mites, it is necessary to monitor the level of soil moisture. It is important to store planting material in a dry place. Among the preparations for sprinkling the soil, Sunmite and Nissoran are recommended.
The easiest way to combat nematodes is to treat the soil with hot water. Chemicals that are effective in killing parasitic worms include:
- Nematophagin;
- Akkaring;
- Nemathos;
- Tiazon.
Snails pose a threat to bulbous plants. The bulbs they eat do not bloom. To protect against pests, special preparations or repellents are used.
Preventive measures
A beautiful flowerbed with daffodils is the result of the systematic work of the owner of the site. To summarize the material presented, to obtain abundant flowering of plants, you must follow the rules:
- choose neutral or slightly acidic soils and a well-lit place for the flowerbed;
- use healthy planting material;
- before planting, etch the bulbs in a solution of potassium permanganate;
- follow planting technology, avoiding crowding;
- replant the bulbs in a timely manner;
- carry out fertilizing in accordance with the schedule recommended by agricultural technicians;
- Regularly water the plantings in spring and autumn.
It is also important to promptly notice changes in the state of plantings. Having identified the source of the damage, the flower beds should be promptly treated.
Conclusion
A gardener's frustration when his favorite daffodils don't bloom is understandable. Establishing the cause of the ill health of flower plantings and adjusting the conditions for their cultivation will allow you to achieve the desired result.
