Daffodils can be lifted year round, even when “in the green,” although moving them while they bloom often means losing out on the following year's bloom. When the leaves have mostly, but not all turned brown – the period of late spring to early summer – is ideal for the job.

Do daffodils need lifting?

Not all daffodil bulbs need to be lifted & stored. Many varieties are great for leaving to naturalize and establish. But, you may find that you need to dig up and divide them once an area becomes too full of bulbs (they simply won't perform as well as they start to compete with each other).

Should you dig up daffodil bulbs after flowering?

Cutting back bulb foliage

Wait for a minimum of six weeks after the end of flowering before cutting back the dead foliage, and ideally only remove foliage when it is yellow and straw-like. Until this time, the bulbs should be watered and fed as above. Also, do not tie or knot the leaves.