Robbie D. of Philadelphia, PA asks,

“I want to move my daffodil bulbs. Can I dig them and replant without harming their cycle?? “

Robbie, I prefer to dig and move my daffodils after their top growth has withered for the season but before they go completely dormant, and I can’t see them anymore. This way they’ve stored up nutrients in the bulb, and they make a nice compact little package to move. In Seattle, that’s usually around June/July.

That being said, I’ve moved daffodils in early spring before they bloom, and they’ve done just fine. If you move them at that time of year, take extra care to move them with a lot of soil attached to the bulb and roots.  About the only time of year I haven’t moved them is when the ground is frozen or during our natural drought time, which occurs in Seattle during late summer/early autumn. (Given we’ve got snow in the passes in mid-June this year, who knows what we’re in for this season!)

If you have a wide selection of bulbs and want to be sure to (say) move the ones with an orange center but not the ones that are pure white, put a garden tie on them before the flowers fade to help remind you which is which.

 I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have other questions & good luck!