Daffodil Bulbs Planting in Winter

Question

January 29, Zone 5

I optimistically purchased 500 daffodil bulbs late last fall and did not get them in the ground before winter. I stored them outside in the container they came in, like a milk crate but lower and they were stacked about 2-3 high. I put the container on a wire chair and covered the top only with a tarp. I did this with the tulip bulbs also. They did not get wet at all.

The tulip bulbs were very firm and I think they will bloom later but will be fine. They were very hard and healthy.

The daffodil bulbs seem a little soft, but not totally squishy. I am wondering what the odds of these blooming and being healthy next year might be, and was looking for opinions.

I haven't planted daffodils much so don't know if this is normal or not.

Also, any advice on extra things I can do to make the best of this situation and baby the bulbs/plants would be appreciated.

Thank you so much for your help!!

Answer 1

I don't know exactly what you mean by a little soft? Do they rot or are they drying out? Do you have pictures?

Like you probably know, it's too late to plant them now. My tulips and daffodils are 5-10 cm above ground already (Netherlands, zone 8b, 30 January).

The way I store these bulbs is in cardboard box. Between every layer of bulbs I put some old newspapers to separate the layers. The box is best kept in a cellar or garage (cool, dry place). I think outside the temperatures can become too extreme (freezing cold or too hot in summer).