Storing Bulbs

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Thanks,
Chas from WV

A: Chas,

I store my bulbs (and various other flower seeds) in the drawers of an old dresser in the basement. It's provides plenty of cool, dark space, and keeps things not-too-dry and not-too-moist (and quite tidy). I line the drawers with a little newspaper and fill the "bulb" drawers with an inch or two of slightly moist peat moss to keep bulbs from drying out.

You can keep these bulb types together because they have similar storage requirement and both do well at 45°F to 50°F. If you don't have an old dresser use a shallow under-the-bed plastic storage bin (without the cover), a burlap sack, or a bushel basket. Plastic organizer towers with pull out drawers would work also, providing you make modifications for air circulation. Cover the bulbs with sphagnum moss or sawdust to keep them from drying out. Check them periodically for shriveling and add a little moisture to plump them back up if necessary. Don't store them more than 2 deep, especially if yours are really big, or they will generate enough heat to cause decay.

About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Storing Bulbs

I dig mine up, knock the dirt off, let them dry for a few days and store them in a brown paper bag in the closet (somewhere dark and dry will work).Pretty simple. The following spring when they're ready to plant, soak them in warm, not hot water for 24 hrs prior to putting them in the ground. The moisture helps to soften the bulb for roots to sprout. Yes, you can store cannas and el ears together since they are dormant.

Post By crystal (Guest Post)

RE: Storing Bulbs

I have both. All I do is dig them out, leaving some dirt on them . I put them in my basement in a cardboard box and just leave them alone. Sometimes they will continue to grow leaves for a month or so-I just cut them off. In the spring, I put them in a bucket of water, separate the babies and replant. I have done this for years and it works.

Post By annie (Guest Post)

RE: Storing Bulbs

I do not have elephant ears , but I do have Cannas. I just pull them , cut off the leaves, knock off the dirt, and then put them in a cardboard box. Dry them out first , I don't use anything else, for smaller bulbs, I put them in paper bags when dry and put the bags in same box . I have been doing this for years with no problem. I keep mine in the attic.

Post By Rosa (Guest Post)

RE: Storing Bulbs

Go to the google search engine and type in, ''how to store Elephant ear bulbs/Canna's ?

You can also try to ask, ''can Elephant ears, and Canna's be stored together?''

www.google.com

Post By Marty (Guest Post)

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.