New to growing & showing?

There are Novice classes for daffodils and tulips so why not give it a go? There’s nothing to lose and you can have fun willing on your bulb to bloom and grow.

If you are bamboozled by the daffodil divisions don’t worry, we’ve all been there and some of us still are. Help is at hand – have a look at our daffodil divisions section then pick one (or more) daffodils that you like to look of – there are lots of places that you can buy your bulbs from. Once you have your bulbs, our planting guide will show you how and when to plant them.

Tulips and other flowers in the show don’t have divisions, so you may prefer to start there, however once you’ve chosen the daffodil(s) you like, you’ve pretty much mastered the divisions.

Daffodil Divisions
Planting Guide
Useful Information

Planting guide for new growers

Plant your bulbs as soon as possible. Until then keep it in a dry, cool and airy place. You can plant directly into the ground or into a pot. The latter is preferable so as to have more control over the flowering time and to avoid extremes of weather but is not essential.

Planting into the ground

Plant at a depth of 3 x the height of the bulb in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Avoid a windy place. The soil should be moisture retentive but with good drainage (add grit) as daffodils do not like to be waterlogged.

Label the place you have planted the bulb and in spring keep a close eye on bud development as you may need to pick the flower before it is fully out (see Preparation for showing).

Planting into a pot

Ensure the pot you choose is deep enough for the bulb to sit about halfway down it but with the tip of the bulb well below the soil surface. Add crocks or broken polystyrene and grit to the bottom of the pot for drainage. Use good quality compost (preferably John Innes No. 3) mixed with grit or sharp sand. Place the bulb about halfway down the pot and top up with compost. The surface can be dressed with grit to avoid soil splashing onto the flowers.

Label and water. The pot needs to be kept outside, frost free and should not be allowed to dry out or become waterlogged. To avoid the pot freezing, wrap bubblewrap around its sides or plunge into the leaves, bark chips or a box of old compost.

Preparation for showing

Your bulb should be showing a flower bud by early April but depending on the weather you may need to bring it on or hold it back. Generally light and warmth will bring flowering forward and cold and dark will hold it back. A greenhouse, sunny porch or even a refrigerator can be used for this.

The aim for the show is a cut flower, fully out and in perfect condition.

Show time

Bring your bloom to stage at the show according to the staging time shown in the Exhibitors’ Schedule.

Good luck. We hope you will continue to enjoy growing and showing .