daffodils planted late

by Betty
(St. Louis, MO)

I have never planted Erlicheer Daffodils before... and the ones I just received from New Holland Bulb Company have GREEN points on the tops of the bulbs that look suspiciously like sprouts. If I saw them in a store like this, I would not buy them. I live in St. Louis on the edge of Zones 5 & 6, so I don't have any of my bulbs in the ground yet, since we have still been having 65-70 degree days once or twice a week. I would like to call the company and ask for a replacement, but hate it when I don't know what I am talking about. I would hate it even more to plant 100 bulbs that won't even come up in the spring! Thanks for your help! --Betty

Doug says that he's sorry he doesn't know your question. If it is will these bulbs live - the answer is probably yes. Get them in the ground now. This is mid-Nov and your winter is going to turn any time now (question asked and answered mid-Nov)

If the question is can I guarantee they'll live, the answer is probably no. I'd suggest you call the company and tell them of your concern. That you've planted them anyway but if they don't survive you'll want a refund.

Bottom line - a bit of sprouting such as this isn't a problem. The bulb will go dormant when it hits the cold soil. And given the tip is a bit green, the bulb really hasn't started to produce leaves (and the flower shoots are still dormant)

Get 'em planted. Advise the company of the condition of the bulbs.

Let me know how they turn out next spring