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AUBURN, MARCH 12---In Alabama, we generally don't expect tulips to serve as a perennial in our flowerbeds. Dave Williams, a horticulturist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says Alabama soils get too warm during the summer for the tulips to thrive and set buds for the next season. Poor drainage in heavy clay soils is another reason they don't do well.

Daffodils, on the other hand, can yield flowers for several years. Williams says there are several things home gardeners can do now to help daffodils flower year after year.

• Mulch around the plants. A mulch keeps the soil cool and helps the bulb set buds for next year's flowers.

• Once the flower fades, cut out the flower stalk. This allows food energy of the plant to go toward storage for future bud formation rather than seed. Since daffodils are often used in a mass planting, removal of individual flower stalks may not be feasible, but do the best you can if you want the best flowering next year.

• Leave the foliage intact to allow photosynthesis to continue. This helps provide food for next year's flowers. Although not attractive, let the foliage stand or fall on its own. Don't cut or tie it up.

SOURCE: DR. DAVE WILLIAMS, Extension Horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3032