Hi, I have lifted bulbs late because their roots have already started growing. Do I trim the roots before replanting? Will they flower this year even though they have to all intents and purposes been transplanted? Many thanks for your consideration of this query.

Hi Stephanie, the old roots don't need to be removed when replanting bulbs as it won't affect the flowering of the bulbs. If you feel you need to remove them you won't do any harm to the bulb, the roots should come away easily or cut them away with secateurs, but when replanting the bulbs leave the new roots that have sprouted as intact and undamaged as possible, if the new roots get too damaged when planting, soil borne fungi could get in and rot the bulb. The bulbs will flower if they have flowered in previous seasons, as it is the chilling period over winter that determines the quality of flowering. Lianne.