Care of Spring-Flowering Bulbs after Bloom

The beautiful blooms of tulips, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs bring joy to the gardener in March, April, and May.  Proper care through the remainder of the spring will help to insure excellent flower displays in succeeding years.

Deadhead After the Bloom Fades

Remove the flower heads on tulips and daffodils as soon as the flowers fade. This prevents undesirable seed and pod development which weakens the bulbs and reduces flower production in the following years.

Tulips
Deadhead spring-blooming bulbs like tulips after the flowers fade, but leave the foliage in place to die-back naturally. 

Leave the Foliage Until it Dies Back Naturally

The foliage of spring-flowering bulbs should not be removed until it has died and turned brown. The length of time it takes the foliage to die back depends on the plant species, growing conditions, and weather. It may not be until late June or early July for some bulbs. Premature removal of the plant foliage stops bulb growth and often reduces the number of flowers next spring.

Fertilization

Established bulb plantings can be fertilized either just as the new growth emerges in the spring or after blooms fade (but not both).  Two to three pounds of a 5-10-5 or similar analysis fertilizer should be applied to 100 square feet of bed area. 

Fertilizer is not needed for bulb plantings not intended to be in the garden year after year (such as hybrid tulips that are replaced each fall).

Transplant, if Needed, After the Foliage Fades

If spring-flowering bulbs need to be transplanted, carefully dig up the bulbs once the foliage has died back. The bulbs can be replanted immediately or dried and stored until fall. Prior to storage, allow the bulbs to dry for 2 to 3 weeks. Then place the bulbs in a mesh bag and store them in a cool, dry place until fall planting.

More Information

 

Last reviewed:
April 2023