Some really great conversations came from an Instagram post the other day about switching out the tulips in my garden for daffodils!

“I’m appreciating these beauties more and more each day! Especially after the “All you can eat buffet” the wildlife had in my front yard.
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I might not be getting tulips this year, but it has given me a chance to really experience all of the other blooms that spring has to offer!”

Tulips seem to be some of the most quintessential blooms of spring, but many gardeners are beginning to trade their tulips in for daffodils!

Are tulips on their way out?

Could it be because of pests like Deer, Squirrels, and Bunnies? Or does it have something to do with their lack of consistency as perennials?

Are Daffodils the New Tulip?

The Trouble With Tulips

If you want your tulips to give the same abundant show every year, then plant more tulips every year!

Nature can be a deciding factor in determining how well your tulips will bloom. A hot spring day, or a cold snap after the buds have already emerged can really cut your bloom time short.

Pests won’t let your garden be great! Between grey squirrels digging up your “Tasty Tulips”, and deer or rabbits enjoying a “Buffet of Foliage”, growing tulips can be a losing battle with hungry critters around.

Inconsistent blooms from year to year can be really frustrating when growing tulips.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature and pests aren’t the only cause of inconsistent blooms. After their 1st year, the “mother bulb” will begin to send out baby bulbs in efforts to reproduce. It’s not likely that those baby bulbs will have enough energy stored to push out a big healthy bloom in the upcoming year. Even with the proper growing conditions it can still be hard to get these babies to grow up strong.

Now, of course there are always exceptions!

There are a few “hybrid” species that are bred to create vigorous offspring! These hybrids are the ideal choice when attempting to “perennialize” your tulips.

In my opinion, all of the work and financial investment it takes to plant tulips, deserves a reliable Spring Bloom Extravaganza!

Dabbling With Daffodils

Not only do daffodils come out of dormancy in early spring before many other plants in your garden, but I like to consider them

The Perfect Spring Perennial!

Perfect Perennials effortlessly return each year, and colonize themselves in and around your garden.

Full Sun or Light Shade, means these plants can thrive in a container on your deck, under a tree canopy, and in many other areas of your garden.

Pollinators are grateful for the nectar provided by the early arrival of daffodils. They’re a great option to plant by fruit tree and other flowering plants that require early spring pollination.

Pests, such as deer, rabbits, gophers, and squirrels, realize that these plants are toxic! And Stay Away!

Daffodils are not on the dinner menu!

“Basically, I just want to be in a healthy and dependable relationship with my spring blooms!”

By the time winter is coming to an end, all I want to see are some bright and cheerful blooms in the garden.

Waiting until mid spring, to find out that your tulip bulbs have succumbed to something or someone else yet again, is not the stable relationship we’re looking for.

Dear Tulips!

It’s not me, It’s you!

You’re stunning to look at, but you’re not strong enough to be in this garden!

#TeamDaffodils

If you’re looking for something more reliable and equally stunning in spring, than I suggest you invest in your collection of daffodils.

You’ll never have to lie awake in bed with a gallon of ice cream wondering if you’ve loved your spring bulbs enough to make them stay!

(Oh wow, that got deep!)

Keep Sparkling!

Let me know in the comments if you’re:

#TeamDaffodils #TeamTulips