Daffodils are one of the first plants to bloom in spring, but gardening expert Simon Akeroyd warns treating them wrong after flowering could prevent them returning next spring
Alice Sjöberg Social News Reporter
16:07, 03 Apr 2026Updated 16:07, 03 Apr 2026
Garden expert Simon Akeroyd has shared what to do once daffodils start dying (stock image)(Image: George Pachantouris via Getty Images)
Spring is undoubtedly a beautiful and thrilling season, heralding the emergence of daffodils from the soil, effortlessly brightening our parks and gardens with vibrant colour. These bright and colourful flowers are often the first sign of spring and summer time, as they’re one of the first flowers to come to bloom. However, these blooms only last for merely a few weeks before beginning to fade. When this happens, understanding the proper care is crucial.
Gardening expert and author Simon Akeroyd has offered his essential advice on managing daffodils once they begin to wilt, stressing that correct treatment is vital to ensure another flourishing display next year.
“What to do with daffodils after flowering,” he captioned at the beginning of his TikTok video, showcasing vibrant, blossoming daffodils in a park setting.
Simon continued, noting that he’s confident most people cherish the spring blooming period, when daffodils are amongst the earliest plants to flower and inject colour into parks and gardens.
“But one of the sad facts of life is that all beauty is fleeting,” Simon remarked. “And soon, the plants will start to fade and look messy.”
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While it may seem tempting to simply clear away the fading flowers from your garden as they begin to perish, Simon cautioned people to exercise care in their handling, as improper methods could stop them returning the following year.
Initially, the gardener advised against tidying the dying foliage by tying it up, which he demonstrated by gathering the bunch of daffodils and securing them so the wilting petals faced downwards towards the grass.
While this may leave your garden appearing tidier, Simon argued that doing so prevents the flower from photosynthesising, which helps it draw nutrients down to the bulb — essential for it to return the following spring.
“Also, don’t mow over the daffodils after they’ve finished flowering,” Simon added, warning that this too can prevent the flowers from coming back the following spring. So, what should you do when your daffodils begin to wilt?
What to do when daffodils start dying
Simon recommends deadheading the flowers. This simply involves removing the heads of the flowers, where the yellow petals hang from.
Not only will this keep your outdoor space looking tidier, but it also encourages the daffodils to store greater nutrients ahead of the next spring bloom, potentially resulting in a more impressive flowering display.
“Leave the foliage to die back naturally for six weeks after flowering to ensure another stunning spring display next year,” Simon said.
If you’re hoping to introduce more daffodils to your garden, the best time to plant them is in autumn, in a sunny spot with partial shade. Once in bloom, water them regularly during dry spring weather, then reduce watering once the flowers have finished blooming and enter dormancy.
If you already have a healthy growth, digging them up and dividing the clumps every three to five years will help maintain their vigour.
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