In the spring, after the danger of severe frost is over, gradually remove all but 1 inch of the mulch. The re maining layer then acts as a summer mulch to control weeds, to promote aeration, to add organic matter, and to preserve moisture. You may replant the bulbs immediately, or store them until a later time. The bulbs will either remain temporarily dormant, or they will start to grow new roots. Be sure to follow proper planting techniques as described above. Storage

Removal of Leaves and Flowers Remove flowers as soon as they begin to fade. This not only makes the plants look better, but it also prevents undesirable seed development. Seed development results in smaller bulbs the next year. If you intend to store the bulbs, remove all yellow foliage as soon as you have dug the bulbs. Then place them in an airy location in the shade for several days. Store in a cool, shady, airy, and dry location. Keep them out of direct sunlight. The mother and daughter bulbs need not be kept together in storage; they may be divided (see below).

Do not remove the green leaves of the plants until they begin to turn yellowish green. The length of time it takes the foliage to mature differs, depending on the type of plant and the overall cultural conditions. During this time, the bulbs gain most of their size and become mature. This is also when the flowers form for the next blooming season. This natural process of maturity and bulb development occurs only when leaves are allowed to manufacture plant food. At a minimum, leave foliage on for one month after flowering is ended. Gathering and tying together of foliage is not necessary, but if per formed, you should only do it after the 1month minimum period.

Propagation Narcissi, like other bulbous plants, may be increased by two methods: division and seed. Bulbs multiply under ground naturally by division. Division occurs as the mother bulb matures, thus creating a number of new daughters. Bulbs resulting from division always pro duce flowers identical to those of the mother plant. Increase of narcissi by seed requires that pollinated and fertilized flowers be left on the plant so the seed capsules can ripen. Collected seed can be sown in the fall in a prepared seedbed for spring germination. Seedlings require several years to reach flowering size. Seedlings usually produce flowers which differ in character from those of the parent plants. Reviewed 4/01 Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Page 3 of 4