Have your daffodils/hyacinths/etc passed their prime? Our warm weather a few weeks back fooled them into blooming and many are on their way out. If you have them potted and indoors, here's what to do:
Cut the bloom stalks as far down as you can once the blooms are fading and withering
LEAVE the foliage. It will start to yellow, as it sends the energy back into the bulbs.
Provide that pot of foliage (I like to tie the leaves up so it looks neat) plenty of light as it continues to die back.
Water sparingly, but don't allow the potting medium to completely dry out.
When the leaves ultimately die back, cut them off. It's at this point I like to remove the bulbs from the pot & shake off excess potting medium.
Let the bulbs sit in a shaded area (garage?) for a few days so they are completely dry. Make sure there's good air circulation and it should only take a day or two.
Put them in a paper bag and keep in a cool spot--- garage or basement is great.
Bulbs can be planted into the ground late summer/early fall.
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart for good air circulation for when the bulbs are in full bloom next year.
Make sure to plant bulbs pointed end up and root end down. Plant into loose, fertile, well-drained soil, which is full of organic matter.
Daffodils in particular may take 2 subsequent seasons to bloom again. However, they MAY bloom a second time in the pot, so don't be surprised if you see that happen!
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