Storing Bulbs

You have some bulbs that you can't get into the ground right away, but you are not sure how to store them.

Most bulbs can be left in the ground unless you live in an area where it does not freeze. You can look up each bulb that you have on the internet to see if you need to dig them up each year. (some bulbs require freezing to bloom the next year)

If you do find that you need to dig up the bulbs do so only after most of the green has died off. The bulb still gets nutrients from the stem well into the fall.

Be careful not to damage the bulb with the shovel when you are digging them up.

Take some time to gently brush the dirt off the bulb. Pull off any loose skin from around the bulb and trim off any foliage that might be attached.

Place the bulbs in a cool dry location for a few days to make sure that no extra moisture is on them. If they are still moist, let them sit a few more days. If they are moist when you store them, there is a good chance that they will rot before you get a chance to plant them again in the spring.

Once they are clean and dry place them into an old mesh onion bag or a paper bag. Use a bag with easy access so that you can check frequently throughout the winter and pull out any that appear to be rotting so that it does not spread.

Hang the bag in a cool dry location. If the bulbs need to freeze, place them into an open box and then into a freezer for the amount of time required just before planting them in the spring.