Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Let’s look at how to store garden bulbs over the winter. As you notice your flower stalks getting old, discolored, or soft in late May or early June, use sharp scissors to cut off the flower stalks. Keep the bulbs in the crisper drawer so the fridge light does not shine on them. I brought some gladiolus bulbs from United States to India. If your basement does not get too damp, this is also a good choice. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place for 6 to 8 weeks. Fill the container with peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite—enough to cover each bulb by one inch. How do I store them in Indian climate? Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Just let the leaves remain on the bulbs until they become dry. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry location that does not fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Some bulbs are not strong enough to survive the cold temperatures of winter. A closet is good. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. To Store the Bulbs: The bulbs need to be stored away from frost and rodents. Canna bulbs can be stored over winter and used in the spring for planting. I assume the bulbs are still dormant and your garage is not heated. Knowing the proper techniques behind bulb maintenance and preservation will help you store them successfully. The newspaper will keep the bulbs dry and separate in the container while still allowing you to check on them periodically. Incorporate compost or leaf litter up to 8 inches (20.5 cm.) You could stack the pots on top of each other and put them in a closet or the corner of the basement if you choose. Bulbs can easily be damaged by improper handling, and bruising will promote rot while in storage. Read more articles about General Bulb Care. Make sure the bulbs have enough air circulation to prevent rotting. If you want an early start, place bulbs in containers with well-drained soil in pots 6 weeks before the date of the last freeze. How to Remove and Store Dahlia Tubers. However, unlike seeds, bulbs may require special treatment to keep them safe during off-seasons. Storing. Some gardeners prefer to store caladium with the soil left on the bulb. While the bulk of flower bulbs will be fine in the ground year round, it varies due to climate and variety. If you prefer to lift the bulbs before frost has hit, you can dig your bulbs early and store them in a well-ventilated, frost-free area until they are dry. Gently shake off the soil from the bulb-like corms. Place your bulbs in a breathable container. Digging and Storing Bulbs for the Winter. Store bulbs in a dry place. This article has been viewed 33,128 times. Do I need to leave the garage door open during the day? It will store starches in the tuber which will fuel initial sprouting in summer. Their glass construction makes them susceptible to breaking when heavy objects are placed on top of them or the light bulbs fall. Plastic containers with tight fitting lids are perfect for storage vessels. But to some degree, it depends on the type of bulbs you're storing. Never failed, I live in SC and I'll probably do the pots this weekend and put outside. Place your container in a cool, dark, dry place, like a basement or a closet so they don’t grow in storage. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. ", "Concise info. [1] X Research source Each type of bulb will require a different storage temperature and humidity. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Good job.". I put mine in my refrigerator drawer ( full of tulips right now lol) , plant when I can, then put the pots outside. The temperature should be between 60 °F (16 °C) and 65 °F (18 °C). I had to dig up my daffodils in fall and put them in a basket with dirt for winter storage until I can replant elsewhere in spring. The bulbs should be stored in a basement, cellar, or garage. Pack the bulbs as you would plant them, stem on top and roots on the bottom. Avoid any plastic containers as they can cause your bulbs to mold. How to Store Garden Bulbs. Cleaning – If your bulbs were dug up from the ground, gently brush off any excess dirt. Plant them as soon as the ground thaws in the spring. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Store in a cool location, preferably 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent rot, do not allow the bulbs to touch. Spring blooming bulbs need at least six to eight weeks of cold in order to bloom. It's easy & quick! Then store following the instructions above. Timing and preparation are key when it comes to maximising the chances of storing your bulbs successfully. I had to dig up bulbs with foliage still attached due to moving. For advice lifting and cleaning bulbs for storage, keep reading! This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Instead, pack your bulbs in a cardboard box for storing bulbs for the winter. Wrap the bulbs in newspaper if you don’t have storage mix. Dahlia storing only takes a few minutes and a couple of inexpensive materials. Stop watering them in September and put them in a cooler, dimly-lit location with temperatures around 60 to 65 degrees F. Leave them planted in their containers. Storing Bulbs. Yes, you have to cut the remaining foliage and clean the bulb before storing it. Now’s the time to dig … By using our site, you agree to our. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. To keep your bulbs from decaying, make sure to store them using a tray, paper bag, cardboard box, or similar container. For larger bulbs, a thin mesh bag or sack may also work. Place the wrapped bulbs in a cardboard box or large paper bag, and do not allow the bulbs to directly touch one another. Store bulbs according to their individual needs. To do this, cut the green stalks with a pruner or a knife, leaving at least 20 cm. Inspect bulbs throughout the winter to add moisture to the packing material and to look for mildew. Wrap each bulb individually in one layer of newspaper before placing them in the storage container. Agree with the refrigeration, tulips and spring bulbs need the cold period to bloom in spring. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33,128 times. Add a layer of bulbs but do not let them touch each other. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. https://thegardengeneralist.com/2016/04/16/how-to-store-plant-your-bulbs/, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/5635291/How-to-store-spring-bulbs.html, http://extension.illinois.edu/bulbs/planting.cfm, https://www.thriftyfun.com/Storing-Spring-Flowering-Bulbs.html, http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-toss-those-tuberous-begonias-save-next-summer, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Dust the bulbs with an insecticide-fungicide labeled for bulbs. All need cool storage, but some are more demanding than others. When preparing bulbs for winter, layer the bulbs in the box with newspaper in between each layer. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Dust bulbs with a fungicide to prevent rotting during storage. Squeeze each one gently and toss any that have become mushy. Outdoor lilies benefit from rich, loose soil. Check them once a week, and remove any bulbs that are showing signs of damage or rot. Cut back the flower stalks in the late spring. After storing lily bulbs during winter, wait until mid to late spring to plant them. If the bulbs are planted in pots or containers, you may store the entire container with the dormant bulbs in it at temperatures of 65 degrees or above. Do not wash the bulbs as this can add excess water to the bulb and cause it to rot while you are storing bulbs for the winter. Do the same rules apply? The preparatory work is finished, you can start laying the bulbs for storage. But it’s important to the plant’s health that the glad bulb, or corm, is allowed to undergo a cold period in very early winter. References Lifting, treating and storing bulbs. Storing these small light bulbs in old egg cartons keeps them protected and makes them easy to find. You can also write the names of bulbs on the carton to help you remember which ones are which. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Dried bulbs are ready to store in a cardboard box punched full of air holes. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article has been viewed 33,128 times. Special directions for spring blooming bulbs – If you are not storing spring blooming bulbs in the garage, consider storing bulbs for the winter in your refrigerator. Packing – Remove the bulbs from any plastic bags or containers. Packing – Remove the bulbs from any plastic bags or containers. Wait until the foliage has turned yellow before digging up the tubers. One of the things to keep in mind when you are learning how to store bulbs for winter is that if you store your bulbs in a material that cannot “breathe,” the bulbs will rot. If you are storing spring blooming bulbs, the garage is also a good. The bulb clumps may then be stored as above Wash the soil from the bulbs in spring just before planting and separate bulbs as needed. Instead, pack your bulbs in a cardboard box for storing bulbs for the winter. into the soil. Make sure the container lid is left open, that way excess moisture can escape. This often happens after a light frost but before a hard freeze. If the temperatures do not drop below 50 °F (10 °C), you may have to chill the bulbs in a refrigerator. For heartier bulbs like tulips, a layer of newspaper can work as a packing alternative. Provide loose cover with your chosen packing medium. Want to see more helpful videos? Place the Container in a Cool Location Place the container with the wrapped iris bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated location. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Bulbs must be stored below 45 degrees F. If you find a good dry place where the temperature stays between 35 and 45, that's the perfect spot. Organization AND helping the environment is a win all the way around. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Store-Bulbs-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Bulbs-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Store-Bulbs-Step-1.jpg\/aid9508900-v4-728px-Store-Bulbs-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"