Lift and Store Tender Bulbs and Tubers in November: Tips and Advice for Winter Protection

In November, it’s time to lift and store tender bulbs and tubers like dahlias, gladioli, begonias, and cannas to protect them from frost damage over winter. These tender plants won’t survive freezing temperatures, so lifting and storing them properly ensures they stay healthy and can be replanted the following spring. By lifting bulbs and tubers at the right time and storing them in ideal conditions, you can preserve them through the cold months and enjoy vibrant blooms in the next growing season. In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how to lift and store tender bulbs and tubers in November for winter protection.

Why Lift and Store Tender Bulbs and Tubers in November?

Tender bulbs and tubers, such as dahlias, cannas, begonias, and gladioli, are not hardy in colder climates and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. In November, as the growing season comes to an end and frost approaches, lifting and storing these bulbs is essential to prevent them from rotting or being killed by frost. Storing them in a cool, dry place over the winter gives them a rest period, ensuring they are healthy and ready to grow again when replanted in the spring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs and Tubers in November

Wait for the First Frost:

Let Frost Hit the Foliage: Wait until the first light frost blackens the foliage of your tender plants. This indicates that the plant has gone dormant and is ready for lifting. Don’t wait too long after a hard frost, as freezing temperatures can damage the bulbs or tubers themselves.
Cut Back the Foliage: Once the foliage has been hit by frost, cut it back to about 4-6 inches above the ground. Removing the top growth makes it easier to handle the bulbs and reduces the risk of rot during storage.

Carefully Lift the Bulbs or Tubers:

Use a Garden Fork or Spade: Gently loosen the soil around the plant with a garden fork or spade, being careful not to damage the bulbs or tubers. Insert the fork several inches away from the plant and carefully lift the bulbs or tubers out of the ground.
Remove Excess Soil: Shake off any excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs or tubers. Moisture can cause rot during storage, so it’s best to remove as much soil as possible by hand.

Dry the Bulbs or Tubers:

Let Them Cure: After lifting the bulbs or tubers, lay them out in a dry, well-ventilated place to cure for about 1-2 weeks. This allows the outer skin to dry, which helps prevent mold and rot during storage.
Ideal Drying Environment: Place the bulbs or tubers in a location that is cool (about 60-70°F / 15-21°C) and dry, such as a garage, shed, or cool basement. Ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity.

Remove Any Remaining Foliage:

Trim Off Stems and Leaves: Once the bulbs or tubers have cured, remove any remaining stems and foliage. For tubers like dahlias, trim back the stems to about 1 inch above the tuber. For bulbs like gladioli, cut off any remaining leaves.

Inspect for Damage or Disease:

Check for Soft Spots or Rot: Inspect each bulb or tuber for signs of damage, disease, or rot. Discard any that are soft, moldy, or appear damaged, as these can spoil the rest of your stored bulbs.
Dust with Fungicide (Optional): If you’ve had issues with rot or fungal diseases in the past, you can dust the bulbs or tubers with a fungicide before storing them. This step is optional but can help prevent rot during the winter.

Pack for Storage:

Use Dry Packing Material: Store the bulbs or tubers in a breathable container, such as a cardboard box, wooden crate, or paper bag, filled with dry packing material like sawdust, peat moss, or vermiculite. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the bulbs dry during storage.
Separate Layers: If storing multiple layers of bulbs or tubers, separate them with a layer of packing material to prevent them from touching each other. This reduces the risk of rot spreading if one bulb goes bad.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place:

Ideal Storage Conditions: Store the packed bulbs or tubers in a cool, dry location with temperatures between 35-50°F (1-10°C). A basement, garage, or unheated room is ideal, as long as the space remains frost-free and well-ventilated.
Avoid High Humidity: High humidity can cause mold and rot, so make sure the storage area has good airflow and remains dry throughout the winter.

Check Periodically During Winter:

Inspect Every Few Weeks: Throughout the winter, check your stored bulbs or tubers every few weeks for signs of rot, mold, or drying out. If you notice any issues, remove the affected bulbs and adjust the packing material as needed.
Repack If Necessary: If the packing material becomes damp or if the bulbs are touching each other, repack them with fresh, dry material to prevent further issues.

Common Tender Bulbs and Tubers to Lift and Store in November

Dahlias: Dahlias are highly susceptible to frost, so lift and store their tubers after the first light frost. Dahlias produce new tubers each year, so make sure to handle them carefully to avoid breaking the necks of the tubers.
Cannas: Cannas are tropical plants that need to be lifted and stored in colder climates. Canna rhizomes should be lifted, cured, and stored in a cool, dry place until spring.
Gladioli: Gladioli corms should be dug up after the foliage has been hit by frost. These corms can be stored in paper bags or crates filled with dry material.
Begonias: Tuberous begonias should be lifted and dried before storing. Keep the tubers in a dry, well-ventilated space to prevent rot.

Benefits of Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs and Tubers in November

Prevents Frost Damage: Lifting and storing tender bulbs and tubers before the hard frosts of winter ensures they are protected from freezing temperatures, which can cause permanent damage or death.
Preserves Healthy Bulbs and Tubers: Proper storage keeps bulbs and tubers dry and well-ventilated, reducing the risk of rot and disease. This ensures healthy growth when they are replanted in the spring.
Encourages Larger Blooms: Storing bulbs and tubers correctly gives them a rest period over winter, allowing them to build up energy for larger, more vibrant blooms the following season.
Saves Money: By lifting and storing your tender bulbs and tubers, you can replant them in spring, saving you the cost of buying new plants each year.

Additional Tips for Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs and Tubers

Label Your Bulbs: If you’re lifting and storing multiple types of bulbs or different varieties, label them clearly when storing. This helps you identify the bulbs when it’s time to replant in spring.
Avoid Overpacking: Make sure not to overpack your storage container. Bulbs and tubers need airflow, so leave enough space between them to prevent moisture buildup.
Replant in Spring: In the spring, replant your bulbs and tubers after the last frost. Be sure to acclimate them to outdoor conditions by gradually exposing them to sunlight and outdoor temperatures before planting them back in the ground.
Be Gentle: When lifting and handling tender bulbs and tubers, be gentle to avoid damaging the roots or outer skin. Damaged bulbs are more susceptible to rot during storage.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long can I store tender bulbs and tubers?
Tender bulbs and tubers can be stored for several months, from late fall until early spring, as long as they are kept in cool, dry conditions. Check them periodically to ensure they remain healthy throughout the winter.

Q2: Can I store tender bulbs and tubers in the refrigerator?
Refrigerators can be too humid for storing bulbs and tubers, which may cause them to rot. It’s better to store them in a cool, dry location, such as a basement or garage, where humidity can be controlled.

Q3: What should I do if my stored bulbs start to sprout?
If bulbs or tubers start sprouting during storage, move them to a cooler location to slow down the growth. Wait until the appropriate time in spring to replant them outdoors.

Q4: Can I store bulbs and tubers that were damaged during lifting?
It’s best to discard any bulbs or tubers that are significantly damaged, as they are more likely to rot in storage. Minor damage can be cured by allowing the cut or broken area to dry before storing.

Q5: How do I know if my bulbs and tubers have dried enough before storing?
After curing, the bulbs or tubers should feel dry to the touch, with no remaining moisture on the surface. The outer skin should be slightly papery, indicating they are ready

for storage.