How long should I refrigerate bulbs before planting out in Autumn?

Bulbs need chilling to develop flower buds within the bulb; the chilling requirement for cool climate bulbs such as tulips and hyacinths is different to daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs.

• Refrigerate bulbs for 6-8 weeks to give them a chilling period before planting. 
• They are best placed in the crisper bin in the fridge in a paper bag, bulbs can sweat in plastic bags which leads to rot.
• Make sure you do not have apples in your crisper bin as these give off ethylene gas which inhibits flowering in bulbs.
• Most bulbs can be left in the ground over winter and get sufficient chilling from winter temperatures. In warmer regions tulips and hyacinths will need additional chilling to flower successfully the following season.

Read the Tui Bulb Growing Guide

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