Winter is approaching, and your bulbs need hibernation! Whether storing summer-flowering bulbs or spring-blooming bulbs, knowing how to store bulbs for winter ensures they are viable for planting later. So, how do you make sure all your bulbs survive the cold and the garden is bursting with color come spring?

Let’s cover all you need to know about bulbs and how to store them for the next growing season.

Why Store Bulbs for the Winter?

Let’s start with the basics—why not leave them on the ground? Nature knows best, right? Well, not always. Bulbs are sensitive to extreme cold and may rot or freeze if left on the ground. Storing them guarantees that they survive the winter and can be used for the next growing season.

Some bulbs (hearty bulbs) like tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils are hardy enough to withstand the cold months when left in the ground. Others (tender bulbs), such as dahlias, begonias, amaryllis, and gladioli, require extra care. Tender bulbs must be dug up and stored before the temperate winter temperatures settle in.

Below are the general steps for storing bulbs for winter.

Digging and Storing the Bulbs

Digging up your bulbs before the frost hits is the first step in preparing them for winter. To do this:

Wait for the Right Time

You don’t want to yank your bulbs off the ground too early or too late. If you dig your bulbs too early, they won’t survive dormancy, as they haven’t stored enough starch. On the other hand, the bulbs will be killed by the frost if left on the ground for long.

Ideally, wait until after the first frost to dig up the bulbs. Alternatively, check the plant’s foliage. And if the leaves have turned yellow, dried up, or started being killed by the cold, it’s time.

Gently Lift the Bulbs

Grab a garden fork or a small spade and gently lift the bulbs from the soil. Now, I said gently—we want a bulb, not mashed potatoes! Dig around the bulbs to avoid cutting into them or severing their roots.

Clean Your Bulbs

Clean your dirt-covered bulbs before storing them. However, cleaning bulbs is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different plant species require different cleaning strategies. For example, to clean dahlias and canna lilies, gently spray them with water.

Species like gladiolus, on the other hand, don’t do well with water. Washing them can make them more susceptible to fungus infections. Instead, cure them, then brush off excess dirt once they are dry.

Preparing for Winter Storage

Now that your bulbs are out of the ground, it's time to prepare them for winter storage.

Curing the Bulbs

Bulbs need curing before they're put into storage. Curing sounds fancy, but it’s essentially giving your bulbs some air to dry out. Spread them out on a tray, in a well-ventilated space, preferably with a temperature of between 60-70 ºF. A dry, cool spot, away from direct sunlight and moisture—like your garage or a shed—works well.

The drying period varies depending on the species, with most needing only a few days to dry out. Some species, however, like gladiolus, will need curing for about three weeks.

Storing Your Bulbs

So, where do you store your bulbs once they're dried? Store your bulbs in cardboard boxes with air holes for circulation. Line the box with peat moss, sawdust, vermiculite, perlite, or shredded paper. Using such materials separates the bulbs and provides the perfect balance of moisture control and insulation. Consider labeling the bulbs under their species to make them identifiable during replanting.

Your bulbs need to be stored in a cool (but not freezing), dark, and dry location. Aim for an average temperature between 35 °F and 50 °F (1 °C to 10 °C) — basically, refrigerator cold. A basement, garage, or unheated room can work well for this. If the storage location gets too warm, your bulbs could start sprouting prematurely.

Winter Monitoring

Your bulbs are safely stored away for the winter. What now? As much as the idea of forgetting them till spring sounds tempting, they’ll need occasional check-ins. Storing your bulbs is a bit like babysitting but with more temperature checks.

Your bulbs should be kept dry, but that doesn’t mean they should be completely desiccated. Check the storage medium periodically to ensure it isn’t too dry or damp. If necessary, lightly mist the medium with water to maintain a proper moisture level.

While checking moisture levels, inspect the bulbs for any signs of rot, mold, or shriveling. Immediately toss out the damaged ones to prevent spread.

Preparing for Replanting in Spring

Bring your bulbs out of storage two to three weeks prior to replanting and let them acclimate to warmer temperatures. Keep them in a cool spot to avoid shocking them, but make sure they get some light.

Once the soil is warm enough to work with, it’s time to get those bulbs back into the ground. The ideal planting spot for your bulbs should have well-drained soil and enough sunlight. Well-draining soil is crucial, as bulbs rot if they sit in water underground. You can improve the soil if it drains poorly by adding organic matter, such as compost and manure.

Also, ensure you plant the bulbs at the correct depth. The general rule of thumb is to plant twice or thrice as deep as the bulb height. For example, a bulb with a 2-inch height should be planted 4 or 6 inches deep. Water your bulbs thoroughly after planting.

Shop at Grange Co-op

Visit Grange Co-op today and stock up on all the essentials. Whether you’re in need of peat moss, soil amendments, or watering tools, we are your go-to store for all things gardening. Remember, it’s never too early to start preparing for winter!