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When and How to Cut Back Spring Bulbs

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Put away your pruners until you read this! Learn the best time to cut back spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.) to ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms next year. 

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It might be tempting to tidy up the garden by cutting back the yellowing  leaves of spring bulbs, but doing so too early can be detrimental to  their health and impact flowering later. The leaves play a crucial role  in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into  energy. This energy is stored in the bulb and is essential for producing  next year’s blooms.

How to Tell When It’s the Right Time to Cut Back The key to knowing when to cut back spring bulbs is to observe the  foliage. Wait until the leaves have completely yellowed and withered  before cutting them back. This usually occurs about 6-8 weeks after  flowering.

You’ll know the bulbs have finished storing their energy when the foliage turns yellow naturally and falls over. I know how unsightly it looks but it’s really important to leave it be.

Here is a step-by-step process to follow.

Wait Patiently observe your spring bulbs until the foliage has completely yellowed and withered.

Cut at the Base Using sharp, clean garden shears or scissors, cut the leaves off at the base, near the ground.

Compost or Leave You can compost the foliage or leave it on the ground to decompose naturally, adding nutrients back into the soil.

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Follow along to learn more about when and how to cut back spring flowering bulbs.

Gardening Tips & Tricks

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