Replanting Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs After Bloom

What to Do with Spring Bulbs in Containers

After a lovely spring display, potted tulips and daffodils can be transplanted into the garden—but their long-term performance differs.

Daffodils: Reliable Returners

Wait until foliage yellows in mid-May, then lift bulbs and plant them in a sunny, well-drained bed at the same depth. They'll naturalize and bloom for years.

Tulips: Often One-Hit Wonders

Most hybrid tulips decline after their first year, especially in the South. You can replant them, but expect only about 30% to rebloom. For perennial tulips, choose species types like Tulipa clusiana or T. sylvestris.

tulip

daffodil

Let foliage die back naturally before moving any bulbs—it fuels next year's flowers.