How to Store Bulbs for a Thriving Spring Garden
How to Store Bulbs?
To store bulbs, wait until the foliage has died down.
Dig up the bulbs and clean off loose soil.
Trim off roots and outer layers, discarding any damaged or diseased bulbs.
Dry the bulbs on a tray for 24 hours to prevent fungal rots.
Store the bulbs in labelled paper bags or nets in a dry, cool place.
Clump-forming bulbs should be divided every few years to keep them vigorous and promote good flowering.
Key Points:
- Wait until the foliage dies down before storing bulbs
- Dig up bulbs and clean off loose soil
- Trim off roots and outer layers, discarding damaged or diseased bulbs
- Dry bulbs on a tray for 24 hours to prevent fungal rots
- Store bulbs in labelled paper bags or nets in a dry, cool place
- Divide clump-forming bulbs every few years to maintain vigor and promote good flowering
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that bulbs can actually be stored in the refrigerator? This is particularly helpful for bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as the cold temperature mimics their natural dormant phase in winter.
2. One common rule for storing bulbs is to keep them away from fruits, especially apples and bananas. These fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause bulbs to sprout prematurely or rot.
3. Storing bulbs in a paper bag can help absorb excess moisture and prevent fungal growth. It is crucial to choose a bag that allows for air circulation to avoid trapping too much humidity.
4. If you want to store bulbs for extended periods, you can opt for a method called “bulb lasagna.” This involves layering different types of bulbs in a container or pot with soil, allowing you to enjoy a continuous display of flowers throughout the year.
5. To prevent rodents from feasting on your stored bulbs, you can sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper around the storage area. The strong scent acts as a natural deterrent, keeping pests at bay.
Watering Needs For Hardy Bulbs
When it comes to storing bulbs, proper watering is crucial for their growth and overall health. Hardy bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, require ample amounts of water while in growth and for six weeks after flowering until the leaves die down. This consistent moisture helps the bulbs develop and replenish their energy stores.
Additionally, summer-flowering bulbs may require additional watering during hot, dry spells to prevent them from drying out and becoming stressed. Vigorous summer-flowering tubers and rhizomes, like cannas and dahlias, should be regularly watered throughout the growing season to support their robust growth.
Remember to water bulbs at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage. Excessive moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal diseases, such as botrytis, which can harm the bulbs.
Feeding Guidelines For Bulbs
To ensure optimal growth and flowering of bulbs, it is vital to provide them with the right nutrients. Follow these guidelines for feeding bulbs:
- Use a high-potassium fertilizer such as liquid tomato feed
- Feed bulbs every seven to ten days
- Start feeding as soon as shoots appear
- Continue feeding until the foliage starts to die down
For bulbs grown in containers:
- Begin using a high-potassium liquid feed before the flowering period
- This feeding regime promotes the production of vibrant blooms
- Keep feeding until the foliage turns yellow and dies back
- This allows the bulbs to absorb essential nutrients for the dormant period
Note: Feeding bulbs with the right nutrients is crucial for their healthy development and to support the production of vibrant blooms.
It is important to regularly feed bulbs with the proper nutrients to ensure their optimal growth and vibrant flowering. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Use a high-potassium fertilizer, such as liquid tomato feed, to provide the bulbs with essential nutrients.
- Feed the bulbs every seven to ten days, starting as soon as the shoots appear.
- Continue feeding until the foliage begins to die down, as this will help the bulbs absorb the necessary nutrients.
- If you have bulbs grown in containers, begin using a high-potassium liquid feed in the period leading up to flowering.
- This feeding regimen will support the production of vibrant blooms.
- Keep feeding the bulbs until the foliage turns yellow and starts to die back.
- This will allow the bulbs to absorb the essential nutrients they need for the dormant period.
Key takeaway: Regularly feeding bulbs with the right nutrients, such as a high-potassium fertilizer, is essential for their healthy growth and vibrant flowering.
Caring For Bulbs In Containers
Bulbs grown in containers require specific care to ensure their well-being. After the flowering season, remove spent flowers by cutting them at the base of the flower stalk. This practice prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production, redirecting its resources towards bulb development.
Six weeks after the flowering period finishes, cut off dead leaves for true bulbs and corms. However, it’s essential not to tie or knot the leaves, as this can hinder the bulb from producing flowers the following year. Instead, allow the foliage to wither naturally before removing it.
During the colder months, containers with tender, half-hardy, and borderline-hardy bulbs can be moved into an unheated greenhouse or cold frame in regions subject to hard frosts. In milder areas, these plants can be left in the ground over winter, but it is advisable to cover them with a layer of insulating mulch, approximately 20-25cm thick. However, avoid leaving bulbs in clay soil over winter, as it retains too much moisture and can cause bulb rot.
Removing Spent Flowers And Dead Leaves
To ensure the longevity and vitality of your bulbs, it is crucial to remove spent flowers at the base of the flower stalk. By doing so, the plant’s energy is directed towards bulb development rather than seed production. This practice promotes healthier bulbs and more abundant blooms in the following year.
Once the flowering season is over, it is essential to cut off dead leaves for true bulbs and corms. This should be done approximately six weeks after flowering finishes. However, be cautious not to tie or knot the leaves, as this can inhibit the bulb from producing flowers in the future. Instead, allow the foliage to wither and turn yellow naturally before removing it.
- Remove spent flowers at the base for better bulb development
- Cut off dead leaves approximately six weeks after flowering
- Avoid tying or knotting the leaves
- Allow foliage to wither and turn yellow naturally
“To ensure the longevity and vitality of your bulbs, it is crucial to remove spent flowers at the base of the flower stalk.”
Overwintering Bulbs In Different Regions
The method of overwintering bulbs varies depending on the region and bulb hardiness. Hardy bulbs can be safely left in the ground throughout the year in most areas. However, containers with more tender or half-hardy bulbs should be brought indoors over winter in colder regions subject to hard frosts.
In milder areas, such as those with mild winters, tender, half-hardy, and borderline-hardy plants can be left in the ground over winter. To protect them from colder temperatures, cover the bulbs with a layer of insulating mulch that is approximately 20-25cm thick. This layer acts as a protective barrier, shielding the bulbs from the cold while allowing them to go through their natural dormancy period.
Important note: Leaving bulbs in clay soil over winter should be avoided. Clay soil retains excessive moisture, increasing the risk of bulb rot. Therefore, it is best to lift and store bulbs in containers or amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to prevent any potential damage.
- Bulbs should be lifted and stored in containers if the soil is clay.
- Use a layer of insulating mulch to protect bulbs from cold temperatures.
- Hardy bulbs can be left in the ground year-round in most areas.
- Tender or half-hardy bulbs should be brought indoors in colder regions.
Proper Technique For Lifting And Storing Bulbs And Corms
To lift and store bulbs and corms correctly, follow these simple steps:
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Wait until the foliage has completely died down, as this indicates the bulbs have entered their dormant phase.
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Using a garden fork or trowel, carefully dig up the bulbs, being mindful not to damage them.
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Once the bulbs are out of the ground, gently clean off any loose soil.
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Trim off any excess roots and remove any outer layers that are damaged or diseased. Keeping only healthy bulbs will ensure successful storage and future growth.
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To prevent fungal rots, allow the bulbs to dry on a tray for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area.
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Store the bulbs in labelled paper bags or nets in a dry, cool place. Avoid storing bulbs near ethylene-producing fruits, as this can affect their longevity.
By following these proper techniques for lifting and storing bulbs and corms, you can ensure their survival and successful growth for future seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to store bulbs?
The best place to store bulbs is in a dry and cool location. After ensuring that only healthy bulbs of a good size are selected, they should be laid on a tray to dry for at least 24 hours to prevent fungal rot. Once dry, they can be stored in labelled paper bags or nets and placed in a suitable storage area. Keeping them in a dry, cool place will help maintain their quality and ensure they are ready to flower the following year.
What is the best material to store bulbs in?
The best material to store bulbs in would be a combination of peat moss and sand. The peat moss provides a moisture-retaining environment while the sand ensures good drainage, preventing the bulbs from rotting. By alternating layers of peat moss and sand, you can create an ideal storage condition for the bulbs. Additionally, using a ventilated container like a cardboard box will allow for proper airflow, further preserving the bulbs’ quality.
Should I refrigerate my bulbs?
It is recommended to refrigerate your bulbs, but it is important to use a separate fridge from your main one. A spare refrigerator typically used for beverages can provide the ideal environment for bulb storage. However, it is essential to avoid storing bulbs alongside fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene gas, as this could potentially affect the quality of the bulbs. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your bulbs stay fresh and healthy until they are ready to be planted.
Why do you put bulbs in the fridge?
Storing bulbs in the fridge is done to maintain their freshness and promote optimal flower development. However, it is important to ensure that no fresh fruit is kept alongside them. The ethylene gas emitted by fruit during ripening can hinder the growth of flowers. For those fortunate enough to have an extra refrigerator, it is advisable to use it exclusively for bulb storage to avoid any interference from ethylene gas.