Choosing daffodil bulbs for planting in the garden
Daffodils are among the first to bloom in flower beds in spring, marking the end of the cold winter days. What could be more beautiful than this sight? Growers especially appreciate large varietal daffodils. For large, simple or double inflorescences, there is a real hunt. After all, it is often difficult to tell from the bulb what the flower will be. How do you choose daffodil bulbs so that they do not disappoint? We bring to your attention a few practical recommendations that will help you replenish your collection with real beauties.
Where to buy planting material?
If the size of the inflorescences is not so important to you, then you can safely go to the market to buy bulbs. There, “in the hands of grandmothers,” there is always the opportunity to purchase a large number of bulbs. At the same time, their price will be affordable compared to the store one. But it should be borne in mind that in relation to varietal diversity, such a purchase is most likely unlikely to please. Even if you are assured that bulbs of the same appearance belong to different varieties, it is not a fact that this is the case.
It is better to buy large-flowered varietal daffodils at exhibitions or in specialized stores. Although the prices for such bulbs and a little "bite", but there is a better chance of getting just the variety, and not simple garden daffodils.
Daffodil bulbs: pay attention to the ratio of proportions
Small, small, bulbs are the babies of daffodils. Fully mature adults are usually much larger than their offspring. This is especially true for large-flowered varieties. If you want large flowers, then you need to choose large bulbs. Although small-flowered daffodils are also very beautiful. Some species even set several buds, and they also emit a delicate aroma.
The larger the bulb, the larger the inflorescence itself will be. Small bulbs, respectively, will give small flowers. You can still distinguish large varietal daffodils by the leaf blade - it is wider than that of simple species.
In addition to size, when choosing a planting material, you must pay attention to its appearance. The bulbs must be absolutely healthy, namely:
- elastic to the touch, not soft;
- without a characteristic, rotten, smell;
- with dry, brown or golden, upper scales;
- with an even, dry bottom;
- the neck (tip) of the bulb must also be dry and firm.
Sometimes you come across bulbs that have wounds - small mechanical damage, for example, from secateurs... They can also be purchased, but the wounds themselves must be treated with potassium permanganate. Thus, you can get quite healthy daffodils and multiply them soon. Considering all the recommendations, it is not at all difficult to breed these spring flowers on your site.