ClassX Video Lessons Why Do Some Flowers Regrow Every Year? | Daffodils | Spring is Here! | SciShow Kids
Hey there! Guess what? I think spring is almost here! Where we live, daffodils bloom in the spring, and I saw my first one today! Watching for daffodils is a fun springtime tradition for me. I planted some daffodils behind The Fort a few years ago, and every spring, I watch that spot to see the first daffodils pop up. It’s like magic! But science can explain why this happens.
Daffodils grow in a special way. They come from bulbs, which are parts of plants that grow underground. Bulbs are not the same as seeds, but they do have some things in common. Both need water and light to grow. In spring, when it gets warmer, Squeaks and I plant seeds in The Fort’s garden, making sure they get water and light. Plants from bulbs need these things too!
Winter can be tough for plants because there’s not much sunlight and water is often frozen. Many plants die in late fall, and we plant new seeds in spring. But some plants, like daffodils, come back every year without replanting. These are called perennials. Most flowers that grow from bulbs are perennials.
Inside a bulb, there’s a tiny plant with a small stem, leaves, and a flower bud. Surrounding this little plant are scales that store energy, like food and nutrients. This stored energy keeps the daffodil alive during winter when it’s not growing.
When a plant isn’t growing, it might be dormant, which is like resting. Dormant plants wait for enough water and sunlight to start growing again. Trees, for example, lose their leaves in fall and go dormant in winter. They stop growing but stay alive!
In spring, the daffodil uses the food stored in its bulb to grow and push its leaves and flowers through the soil. After blooming, the petals and leaves die, and the plant stores food in its bulb for the next winter. This cycle repeats every year!
Daffodils aren’t the only flowers that grow from bulbs. Tulips, lilies, and other spring flowers also come from bulbs. So, grab your jacket and let’s go look at the spring flowers together!
Thanks for joining me here at The Fort. If you want to keep learning and having fun with Squeaks, me, Mister Brown, and all our other friends, be sure to hit the subscribe button, and we’ll see you next time on SciShow Kids!
Plant Your Own Bulb: Get a small pot, some soil, and a bulb (like a daffodil or tulip). Plant the bulb in the soil and place it in a sunny spot. Water it regularly and observe how it grows over time. Draw pictures of your plant each week to see how it changes. Discuss with a friend or family member what you notice about the plant’s growth and what it needs to thrive.
Seasonal Detective: Go on a nature walk with an adult and look for signs of spring. Can you find any daffodils or other bulb flowers? Take photos or draw pictures of the flowers you find. Talk about how these flowers might have survived the winter and what makes spring the perfect time for them to bloom.
Bulb Exploration: With the help of an adult, carefully cut open a bulb (like an onion) to see what’s inside. Look for the tiny plant and the scales that store energy. Discuss how these parts help the plant survive through the winter and grow in the spring. Think about other plants or animals that store energy to survive tough times.
