Storing Bulbs for Late Planting

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.

The time to buy bulbs, corms and rhizomes at the garden center is not always the most convenient or best time to plant them in the garden.

Shop early for the best selection and to find quality bulbs. Then store them in a cool location until it is time to plant. Place bulbs in a perforated, not closed plastic or paper bag. You can store them in a cool location at 60 to 65 degrees or in the refrigerator. Just keep the bulbs away from ripening fruit and vegetables that give off ethylene gas that can hinder flowering. And since some bulbs are poisonous, be sure to clearly label them so no one accidently eats one.

Pack rhizomes, tuberous roots and tubers in peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, since they dry out faster than bulbs and corms. Store these, packing material and all, in a cool location as well.

A bit more information: Looking for unusual varieties or bulbs species? Consider ordering from one of the bulb companies. They have a wider selection and most ship the bulbs when it is the right time to plant in your area.

For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com.