Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs in December: Essential Winter Care for a Vibrant Spring Garden

Introduction

Tender bulbs such as dahlias, cannas, gladiolus, and begonias add vibrant color to gardens during the warmer months, but they are sensitive to cold and cannot survive harsh winter conditions in the ground. If you want to enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year, it’s essential to lift and store these bulbs properly during winter. December is an ideal time to dig up tender bulbs before the ground freezes, allowing you to preserve them until it’s time to plant again in spring. This guide will explain why lifting and storing tender bulbs in December is crucial, how to do it correctly, and answer common questions to help you maintain a stunning garden season after season.

Why Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs in December Is Important

• Prevent frost damage: Tender bulbs are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, which can cause them to rot and die. Lifting and storing bulbs in a controlled environment protects them from harsh winter weather.
• Ensure healthy growth next season: Properly stored bulbs retain their strength and vigor, allowing them to bloom beautifully when replanted in spring. Storing bulbs also reduces the risk of disease and pests that could damage the bulbs if left in the soil.
• Make room for other winter preparations: By lifting tender bulbs, you can prepare your flower beds for winter mulching, planting winter flowers, or other seasonal tasks without worrying about damaging the bulbs.

Types of Tender Bulbs That Need Lifting and Storing in December

Here are some common types of tender bulbs that should be lifted and stored over the winter:

1. Dahlias

• Description: Dahlias are known for their large, colorful blooms. They are not frost-hardy and need to be lifted and stored in a cool, dry place during winter.
• Best storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation.

1. Cannas

• Description: Cannas have bold, tropical foliage and striking flowers. They are sensitive to frost and must be dug up and stored indoors during the cold months.
• Best storage conditions: Keep in a warm, dry location with minimal light exposure.

1. Gladiolus

• Description: Gladiolus flowers grow on tall spikes, adding height and color to garden beds. The corms need to be dug up and stored before the ground freezes.
• Best storage conditions: Store in a well-ventilated space with consistent, cool temperatures.

1. Begonias

• Description: Tuberous begonias have lush, vibrant flowers but are sensitive to cold. Lifting and storing the tubers is essential to preserve them for next year.
• Best storage conditions: Keep in a cool, dark, and dry environment, checking regularly for any signs of rot or mildew.

How to Properly Lift and Store Tender Bulbs in December

Lifting and storing bulbs might seem like a lot of work, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your bulbs remain healthy and ready to plant next season:

1. Choose the Right Time to Lift the Bulbs

• Wait until after the first frost: Let the first light frost hit your garden. This signals to the plants that the growing season is over and they need to enter dormancy.
• Don’t wait too long: Lift the bulbs before the ground freezes solid. If the ground becomes too hard, it will be difficult to dig up the bulbs without damaging them.

2. Carefully Dig Up the Bulbs

• Use the right tools: Use a garden fork or spade to gently lift the bulbs out of the soil. Insert the fork a few inches away from the plant to avoid damaging the bulbs.
• Shake off excess soil: Gently shake off loose soil but avoid washing the bulbs, as moisture can encourage rot during storage.

3. Inspect and Clean the Bulbs

• Check for damage: Look for signs of rot, pests, or other damage. Discard any bulbs that are soft, moldy, or severely damaged.
• Trim stems and roots: Cut back the foliage to about an inch above the bulb and trim any long roots. This helps reduce the risk of rot during storage.

4. Cure the Bulbs Before Storing

• Why curing is important: Curing allows the bulbs to dry out slightly, which helps prevent rot and mold. It also helps the skin toughen up, providing better protection during storage.
• How to cure: Place the bulbs in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about a week. Keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid stacking them to ensure even drying.

5. Store in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Place

• Use appropriate containers: Store bulbs in breathable containers like paper bags, mesh bags, or cardboard boxes. Avoid plastic, as it traps moisture and can lead to rot.
• Add a moisture-absorbing medium: Place the bulbs in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite to help control humidity and prevent the bulbs from drying out or becoming too moist.
• Label your bulbs: If you have multiple varieties, label each container so you know what you’re planting in spring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs in December

Proper storage is essential for keeping bulbs healthy, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not curing the bulbs: Skipping the curing process can lead to mold and rot. Always allow bulbs to dry out slightly before storing them.
• Storing in plastic bags: Plastic traps moisture, which can cause bulbs to rot. Opt for breathable materials like paper or mesh bags.
• Leaving bulbs in direct sunlight: Sun exposure can cause bulbs to dehydrate and weaken. Always store them in a cool, dark location.

Benefits of Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs in December

• Protects bulbs from harsh weather: Tender bulbs can’t survive freezing temperatures. Lifting and storing them ensures they remain viable for the next growing season.
• Reduces the risk of disease: Proper storage minimizes the chance of rot, mold, and pest infestations that could damage the bulbs if left in the soil.
• Encourages better blooms: Well-stored bulbs retain their vigor, leading to stronger plants and more abundant blooms when replanted.

Best Practices for Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs in December

• Label bulbs before storing: Label each container with the bulb type and variety to make planting easier in spring. This also helps if you want to plan your garden layout ahead of time.
• Check bulbs periodically: Inspect stored bulbs every few weeks. Remove any that show signs of mold, rot, or pest damage to prevent problems from spreading.
• Use a moisture-absorbing medium: Storing bulbs in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite helps regulate humidity levels and prevents the bulbs from becoming too dry or too wet.

Common Questions and Answers About Lifting and Storing Tender Bulbs in December

1. Why should I lift and store tender bulbs in winter?

• Tender bulbs are not frost-hardy and will likely rot if left in the ground during freezing temperatures. Lifting and storing them protects them until they can be replanted in spring.

1. When is the best time to lift tender bulbs?

• Lift bulbs after the first light frost but before the ground freezes. This signals that the plant is entering dormancy and helps the bulbs store energy for next season.

1. How do I know if my bulbs are still healthy?

• Healthy bulbs are firm to the touch and free from soft spots, mold, or signs of pest damage. Discard any bulbs that are mushy, moldy, or heavily damaged.

1. Do I need to wash bulbs before storing them?

• No, it’s best not to wash the bulbs. Simply brush off excess soil. Washing can introduce moisture, which may lead to rot during storage.

1. What’s the ideal temperature for storing bulbs?

• Store bulbs in a cool, dark location with temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C). This prevents premature sprouting and keeps the bulbs dormant until spring.

1. Can I store bulbs in plastic bags?

• It’s best to avoid plastic, as it traps moisture and can cause rot. Use breathable containers like mesh bags, paper bags, or cardboard boxes instead.

1. How do I cure bulbs before storing them?

• Place the bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated area for about a week to allow them to dry out slightly. This helps prevent rot and toughens up the skin for storage.

1. Should I remove all soil from the bulbs?

• Remove excess soil, but there’s no need to scrub the bulbs clean. A bit of soil won’t harm them, but be careful not to damage the skin.

1. How often should I check on my stored bulbs?
   • Inspect stored bulbs every few weeks to check for signs of rot, mold, or pests. Remove any damaged bulbs to prevent them from affecting others.
2. **What can I do if my bulbs start sprouting in storage?**
   • If bulbs start sprouting, move them to a cooler location. Sprouting indicates that the storage area may be too warm.