What is the best way to store bulbs if you have quite a few?

Spring flowering bulbs can stay in the ground for 3-5 years before they need lifting and dividing. It is a good idea to lift frost tender bulbs such as dahlia, begonia or calla lilies as they can rot if the ground is frozen in winter or the soil is soggy and poorly drained. 

• Allow the bulbs to brown off and die down naturally before lifting, remove the foliage and any loose soil that may still be attached to the bulbs.
• Cull out any damaged bulbs that could have been damaged when lifted, otherwise these are likely to rot in storage.
• Bulbs can be stored in dry sawdust or pine shavings in a cardboard box, paper bag or a seed tray.
• Bulbs store well in mesh sacks similar to onion bags as they get good aeration.
• For bulbs such as lilies store in damp sphagnum moss for a short period so the bulb does not dry out after lifting.
• Store bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

 Read the Tui Bulb Growing Guide

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