Blind Daffodils

[grannysmith]

Does anyone know what causes tulips or daffodils to come up blind, that is, where the leaves look healthy but there are no flowers?

I don't know if it's a likely cultural fault, physical bulb damage underground (e.g. slugs or mice?) or something else?

Many of the other daffodils and tulips have come up with no problems, but we do have several which came up blind. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[rustylady]

I've got quite a few daffodils like that this year too. Mine have been in the borders for about five years, and I think they need digging up and spreading about as they are very crowded. I also intend to trim back the honeysuckle and ivy that are shading them and add some fertiliser.

[veggiechicken]

I think its overcrowding too ^^^^^

[VirginVegGrower]

Same here this year and my neighbours are complaining of the same...not sure why, but it seems to be the fashion this year.

[Thelma Sanders]

I only planted mine last autumn, nice fat bulbs, not overcrowded and the right depth, and some good compost in the hole, and most of them are blind

[donnakebab]

Mine aren't overcrowded and I've had a problem with this for a few years. Even ones that I planted on my allotment aren't looking too good.

I have cultivated bluebells in my garden that were already here when we moved in twenty something years ago and they are fine.

[veggiechicken]

Try this All About Daffodils: Blind Daffodils:What Are The Causes?

[Thelma Sanders]

Weird weather is to blame then - might have known

[VirginVegGrower]

Knew it had to be weather related, as our bulbs haven't been newly planted or added to.

[Two_Sheds]

I was going to post VC's link, she beat me to it. In a nutshell though

- not planted deep enough
- too much nitrogen
- viruses
- weird weather:unseasonal warmth or cold
- too crowded

[Peas'n'Kews]

Whew! What a relief, losts of ours are blind and the OH keeps commenting, so at least I can now say "wierd weather, dear" and look all intelligent and confident (not that it'll fool him!)

[Flummery]

We planted a sack full in the village a couple of years back. They came up mostly blind for the first couple of years. This year they're brilliant. You have to take the rough with the smooth.