How to Properly Save and Store Plant Bulbs After Blooms

Sempervirens Gardening | Posted October 27th, 2025

One of the best ways to ensure your garden blooms again next year is to save your plant bulbs properly after they’ve finished blooming. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly store your bulbs, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that your bulbs are ready to grow and thrive when the warmer weather returns.

When to Dig Up Your Bulbs

The right timing for digging up your bulbs depends on the type of bulbs you have and when they finish blooming.

• Tender Bulbs (e.g., Dahlias, Gladiolus, Cannas, Begonias):

  • Timing: Wait until the foliage starts to die back after blooming, usually around the first frost. This indicates that the plant has gone dormant, and the bulb can be safely lifted.

  • Why: The frost causes the foliage to wither and die, signaling that the bulb is ready for storage. However, don’t wait too long—dig them up within a week or two after the frost to prevent freezing damage.

• Hardy Bulbs (e.g., Daffodils, Tulips, Alliums, Crocus, Hyacinths):

  • Timing: These bulbs can stay in the ground, as they are hardy and capable of surviving through colder months.

  • Why: Hardy bulbs naturally go into dormancy after blooming and are well-suited for overwintering in the ground.

• Lilies:

  • Timing: Lilies can generally stay in the ground but may need to be dug up if you live in a region with extreme winters.

  • Why: These bulbs can tolerate some cold, but in areas with harsh freezes, it’s safer to lift them after blooming in late summer or fall.

How to Properly Dig Up Bulbs

1. Use the Right Tools: A garden fork or a spade is the best choice for gently lifting bulbs out of the ground. Avoid using a shovel, as it can slice through the bulb.

2. Loosen the Soil: Dig a few inches away from the bulb to ensure that you don’t accidentally damage it. Gently lift the bulb from the soil, being careful not to pull on the stem.

3. Clean the Bulbs: After removing the bulbs, shake off the excess soil, but avoid washing them with water. Excess moisture can lead to mold or rot during storage.

4. Trim the Stems: Cut back the stems to about 1-2 inches above the bulb to reduce the chances of disease.

How to Cure Bulbs Before Storing Them

Curing your bulbs before storage is crucial for keeping them healthy and preventing rot or fungal issues.

1. Place in a Warm, Dry Area: Lay the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area—such as a shed or garage—where temperatures remain between 60-65°F (15-18°C). Allow them to dry for 1-2 weeks.

2. Check for Damage: Inspect the bulbs during the curing process. If you spot any damaged or diseased bulbs, discard them to avoid contaminating the healthy ones.

3. Remove Excess Foliage: Once the bulbs have dried, trim off any remaining leaves or stems, leaving just the roots intact.

Proper Storage Conditions

Once your bulbs are cured and ready for storage, it’s important to keep them in an environment where they can remain dormant until it's time to replant them.

1. Storage Containers: Store your bulbs in breathable containers like mesh bags, paper bags, or wooden crates. Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to rot.

2. Ideal Temperature: Keep bulbs in a cool location (35-45°F or 1-7°C) where they’ll remain dormant. A basement, cellar, or unheated garage works well for most types of bulbs. Just ensure the space is not too damp, as this can lead to mold and rot.

3. Check Periodically: Every few weeks, check your stored bulbs for any signs of rot or mold. If you notice any, remove the affected bulbs to prevent the problem from spreading.

Replanting in the Spring

When the weather warms up and the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to replant your bulbs. The exact timing will depend on your location, but typically, you can start replanting bulbs in early to mid-spring.

• Check for Growth: Before replanting, check your stored bulbs for any signs of sprouting. If they have sprouted, plant them immediately. If not, you can wait until they do.

• Plant with Care: Follow the recommended planting depths for each type of bulb to ensure they have the best chance of thriving and blooming beautifully next season.

  
  

Saving and storing plant bulbs after blooming doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With a little care and attention, you can ensure that your bulbs stay healthy and are ready to thrive when it’s time to plant them again. Properly storing your bulbs will help you enjoy your favorite flowers year after year. For more expert gardening tips and advice, be sure to check out other articles on the Sempervirens Gardening blog, and happy gardening!