Favorable days for planting daffodil bulbs in autumn 2020 according to the moon

Daffodils are easy-to-grow bulbous plants, resistant to diseases and pests. They tolerate slightly below-freezing temperatures and are undemanding regarding soil composition. To ensure the plants have time to establish themselves and bloom by spring, they are planted before winter. When determining the timing for planting daffodil bulbs in the fall of 2020, consider the variety's characteristics, weather conditions, and the lunar calendar. Planting dates vary by region, as requirements vary depending on climate conditions.

Pros and cons of fall planting

A special feature of daffodil bulbs is the growth of new roots after the leaves turn yellow. During this period, the root system grows rapidly, and the plant quickly utilizes nutrients from the soil and establishes itself. If planted in the spring, rooting occurs less vigorously, and the bulb is depleted over the winter. Planting before winter also has other advantages:

1. In autumn there is more free time – harvesting work is finished.
2. High-quality planting material – fresh bulbs are sold in nurseries, and in the spring – leftovers from last year.
3. Plants are resistant to weather conditions and pests.
4. The planting technology is simplified – there is no need for long soaking of the planting material.
5. Easy care – in autumn the plant requires minimal watering, in spring the flower shoots outpace the growth of weeds.
6. Fast flowering – when planted in winter, daffodils form inflorescences 2-3 weeks earlier than when planted in spring.

If you follow the planting technology, there are no disadvantages to the winter method. For the plant to take root successfully, it's important to adhere to the planting timing. If daffodils are planted prematurely, the flowers will sprout and not have time to prepare for winter. If planted late, the bulbs may freeze.

Favorable days by region and lunar calendar

When choosing the planting date, consider weather conditions—planting should be done before the onset of sustained frost. The optimal time is when soil temperatures reach +8ºC to +10ºC and remain stable for 10 days. Approximate planting dates in Russia are from late August to mid-October. Daffodil planting dates in the fall vary depending on the climate of the region:

1. Central Russia (Moscow and the Moscow region) has a temperate continental climate, with warm and snowy winters. Planting takes place from August 25 to September 10.
2. The Leningrad Region's climate is characterized by abundant rainfall in the autumn. Planting begins two weeks after precipitation, with the optimal time being early September.
3. In the Volga region (Volgograd, Astrakhan, Samara), warm weather persists until mid-autumn, and the soil cools slowly. Optimal planting times are October 1-15.
4. The weather in the Urals is unstable, with early frosts possible. The best time to plant bulbs is after Indian summer, until mid-September.
5. Siberia is a risky agricultural zone. Due to early frosts, work must be completed no later than September 10th.

Astrologers recommend planting and caring for bulbous plants according to the lunar calendar. Benefits of working with flowers on favorable days:

• the bulbs form a root system in a timely manner;
• plants have time to store nutrients;
• in spring, leaves and flower buds are formed and green mass begins to grow;
• plants are less susceptible to diseases and pests;
• friendly and dense flowering in the spring season.

Favorable planting dates are during the waning moon. During this time, the water level in the soil drops, and vital energy is directed downwards, from the crown to the roots of the flowers. Planting during the Full Moon and New Moon is not recommended, as the plants are vulnerable and will not tolerate planting well. The table shows unfavorable and favorable days for planting daffodils in the fall of 2020.

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Features of cultivation

A flat area in the garden where there are no drafts is suitable for planting flowers. plant daffodils In low-lying areas with low groundwater levels, the bulbs may rot before winter. The flowers can be used to decorate garden paths or the space under fruit trees – daffodils grow well in partial shade and don't fade in the sun.

Preparing the bulbs and soil

The soil should be prepared a month before planting: dig, remove weeds, and apply fertilizer. Recommended mineral fertilizers include superphosphate (50 g) and potassium sulfate (20 g). Organic matter should also be added during digging: 8 kg of compost and 100 g of wood ash. Fertilizer rates are based on 1 m² of planting area. Nitrogen should not be applied in the fall, as this micronutrient promotes bulb germination and the formation of green mass.

The optimal soil pH is 6-7.5. Daffodils grow well in loose, chernozem or loamy soils. If the soil is heavy, the following measures will help:

• for clay soils – add sand (20 kg/m²);
• sandy soil – diluted with clay, peat;
• for acidic soils - dolomite flour or wood ash;
• If the land plot is uncultivated, 2 months before planting, add bone meal (0.8 kg/1 m²) and humus (8 kg/1 m²).

The planting material should be sorted, discarding damaged and small specimens. Soak the bulbs in a fungicide solution for 20 minutes; Topaz, Skor, and Maxim are suitable for soaking. Remove the outer scales from the bulbs, as they can harbor pests. If the bulbs are joined, they can be separated only if they are not pressed tightly together.

Planting diagram

To plant, prepare furrows and make holes three times the bulb diameter deep (10-25 cm). The planting pattern varies depending on the soil type: in loamy soils, the bulbs are raised 2-3 cm higher, while in sandy soils, they are planted 4-5 cm lower. To ensure good water drainage, create drainage at the bottom of the hole by placing small stones, eggshells, or sand. Place the bulbs upside down, then cover the hole and water.

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Preparing for winter and further care

When cold weather sets in, mulch the plantings with natural materials such as peat, sawdust, or spruce branches. If a frosty winter is expected, the beds can be covered with burlap. Using cellophane as a covering material is not recommended, as it will restrict the flowers' access to air. In winter, cover the beds with snow. When temperatures rise above freezing, remove the covering.

To ensure the plant blooms quickly, the following care is required:

1. Watering – as the top layer of soil dries out.
2. Loosening the soil – to improve aeration and oxygen supply to the roots.
3. Fertilizers – the plant requires phosphorus and potassium for flower formation. Micronutrients are responsible for normal bulb development and accelerated flowering. In spring, apply potassium sulfate (30 mg/m²) and superphosphate (60 mg/m²).

After the growing season, when the leaf tips begin to yellow, daffodils are dug up. This procedure is performed once every five years; the bulbs are thinned and replanted. Before storing, the planting material is soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and dried. To ensure the bulbs survive until autumn, they need favorable conditions: a temperature of 10°C to 12°C, and humidity up to 70%.

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Helpful tips

When caring for daffodils in the fall, it's important to consider the variety's characteristics. Since the plant needs to be dug up every five years, it's not recommended to plant daffodils near perennials. To ensure the plants produce buds every year, it's important to follow the following cultivation techniques and care guidelines:

1. If you plant flowers a little deeper, they will develop more slowly and bloom later. Shallow planting (7-10 cm) allows for rapid germination and flowering. The first method is used in the northern regions, the second in the south.
2. The bulbs contain toxic substances, so rodents do not harm the flowers. A bed of daffodils is planted as a protective barrier next to other crops.
3. Flowers are propagated by babies - they, like adult plants, are planted in the winter.
4. If the bulb is damaged during digging, don't throw it away. Sprinkle the bulb with wood ash and place it in a warm place.
5. Planting material should not be stored in plastic bags, as flowers require access to oxygen. The best places to store them are nylon tights, cardboard boxes, and perforated plastic boxes.
6. You need to work with gloves, as the bulbs contain toxic substances and may cause skin irritation.
7. Signs that it's time to replant flowers include small inflorescences and lack of flowering for 2 years in a row.

Since daffodils are hardy, improper planting practices rarely result in bulb death. Planting too deep, too densely, or nutrient deficiencies can all cause a lack of spring bloom. It's important to monitor moisture levels—too little moisture will cause the plant to dry out, while too much will cause rot.

The development and flowering of daffodils depend on the correct planting date and the quality of care. A lunar calendar can help you organize your gardening. If you tend your flower beds on favorable days according to the lunar calendar, your daffodils will bloom abundantly in late spring.