Bulb plants create gorgeous flowers that will add interest to any yard or garden.During off-seasons, bulbs may need special treatment to be safe.Proper bulb maintenance and preservation techniques will help you store them.
Step 1: Let the flower and leaves grow.
After a successful flowering, bulbs need time to replenish their energy and nutrition.Wait until the flower and leaves fade to lift the bulb to make sure this happens.It is possible to wait between one and two months.
Step 2: Take your plant out of the soil.
Scissors can be used to get rid of excess foliage.You can cut the stalks right at the soil line for most bulbs, but others may need to keep a portion of their stem.
Step 3: A hole is needed near the bulb.
A small spade is enough to dig a hole a few inches away from the plant.Don't dig right above the bulb to avoid damaging it.Remove dirt from the side of the hole to see the bulb.
Step 4: Remove the bulb from the ground.
Place your hands around the bulb to pull it out if the ground is soft.To separate it from the dirt, use your fingers or a spading fork.Any damage to the bulbs can make them vulnerable to pests and diseases.When removing a bulb from the ground, be as gentle as possible.
Step 5: The bulbs are not stored in the soil.
Dirt and soil can be removed with a brush or fingers.If your bulbs need to be stored with the soil on to stay healthy, do not clean them.
Step 6: There are signs of rot or damage in the bulbs.
If you see any signs of decay in the bulbs, throw them out.Saving just one bulb is not worth the risk of diseases spreading quickly among plants.
Step 7: The bulbs should be dry in the open.
After cleaning your bulbs, set them on a tray and place them outside to dry.Depending on the type of bulb, it could take from a few days to three weeks.After drying, use a towel or rag to remove dirt.After curing, remove the foliage attached to the bulb.
Step 8: Store-bought bulbs should be removed from the packaging.
Remove the bulbs from their containers if you will be storing them.Make sure everything you ordered is in good condition by checking your bulbs.
Step 9: The bulbs need to be dry for 3-4 days.
When you put the bulbs in storage, you don't want them to be moist.If you want to dry the bulbs, place them in a paper bag and set them somewhere that gets a lot of air circulation.
Step 10: Your bulbs are in a container.
Store your bulbs in a tray, paper bag, cardboard box, or similar container to keep them fresh.A bag or sack may work for larger bulbs.Make sure the container lid is open.Plastic containers can cause your bulbs to mold.
Step 11: A natural packing substance is what you should fill your container with.
You can keep your plants healthy by storing them on top of sawdust, vermiculite, or peat moss.If the soil was not removed, gently dampen the substance with water.Don't keep it wet.A layer of newspaper can be used as a packing alternative.
Step 12: Your bulbs should be stored in a dark place.
If you have a container in a dark room, keep it out of the basement or closet.While in storage, this will keep your bulbs from growing.
Step 13: Your bulbs should be stored at their lowest temperature of the year.
To prevent bulbs from growing while in containment, store them at a temperature that won't cause damage.In most cases, this will be between 50 and 60 F, though individual bulbs may have different temperature needs.
Step 14: It's a good idea to check your bulbs regularly.
A damaged bulb can cause problems for other plants.If you want to avoid this, you need to check your storage container once a week.