How to Safely Store Summer-Flowering Bulbs for Winter

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — As the weather remains warm and late-blooming plants like dahlias continue to flourish, gardeners should prepare for the seasonal shift. With cooler temperatures approaching, it is time to consider lifting summer-flowering bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, and corms such as dahlias and cannas.

Ian Clark, marketing manager at Taylors Bulbs, advises that the most popular summer-flowering bulbs should be lifted after the first significant frost when their leaves turn black, typically around early November depending on local conditions. Alternatively, a thick layer of mulch can protect them in milder climates, with some gardeners using plant clippings or commercial mulch for insulation.

David Turner of Fothergill’s suggests using bark as mulch for added thermal protection, especially in colder regions. For gladioli, dwarf varieties like ‘Las Vegas’ and ‘Carine’ are more suited for borders, while taller types need to be lifted and stored similarly to dahlias. Cannas, which thrive in containers, can survive winter if placed in sheltered spots with extra protection during extreme cold.

Clark recommends lifting begonia tubers before the first frost and carefully removing the stems. Begonias can be started indoors in a greenhouse for an early spring head start. Lilies, on the other hand, generally don’t require lifting and return year after year, provided lily beetles aren’t an issue.

Proper storage involves keeping bulbs in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free environment. Turner advises against using cardboard due to moisture risks and recommends paper bags or ventilated trays. Surface mold is common but can be gently brushed off, while frozen tubers will become soft and unusable.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)