Knowledgebase
Daffodils? #928343
Asked April 14, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
Linn County Iowa
Expert Response
Hi Cindy,
Thanks so much for reaching out. Sorry to hear your daffodils are not blooming.
If daffodils don't bloom, the plants weren’t able to store enough food in their bulbs in the previous year. Daffodil foliage typically persists for 4 to 6 weeks after blooming. During this 4 to 6 week period, the daffodil foliage is manufacturing food. Much of the food is transported down to the bulbs. In order to bloom, daffodils must store adequate levels of food in their bulbs. Cutting off the foliage before it has died back naturally may prevent the plants from storing adequate food in the bulbs. Allow the daffodil foliage to die completely before removing it.
Plants in partial shade in May and June may not be able to store enough food in their bulbs because of insufficient sunlight. Dig up daffodils growing in partial shade when the foliage has died back and plant the bulbs in a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. If given good care and favorable growing conditions, weak (non-blooming) daffodils can be encouraged to flower again.
Good luck! I hope you're able to get beautiful blooms again!
Here are a couple articles from Iowa State University about Daffodils that might be helpful:
Selecting and Planting Spring-Blooming Bulbs.
All About Daffodils | Yard and Garden