Keeping bulbs safe while they’re dormant until the proper planting time requires two steps: curing and storage. Curing completes the process of lifting and ensures that the bulb enters dormancy. Storage conditions depend on the specific bulb type: You’ll either store them in an airy, dry location, or you’ll pack your bulbs in slightly moist peat. Check the required storage conditions for each species of bulb, either by checking your bulb packaging information (if you’ve kept it), asking a knowledgeable staff member at your local garden center or visiting the Learn2Grow Plant Database.
To properly cure and store your bulbous plants, gather a tarp or burlap sack, soft brush, onion sacks, peat and a breathable storage container, then follow the steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions.
Curing and Storing Bulbs - Step 1
Cure the lifted bulbs on a tarp or burlap in a dry, protected, well-ventilated, shady location with moderately warm temperatures for 10-14 days. (A temperature of 70-75 degrees F with low humidity is right for most bulbs with onionskin-like tunics – like tulips.)
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Curing and Storing Bulbs - Step 2
Remove withered foliage and clinging roots, and brush away any remaining soil. Loosely pack tunicate bulbs in a net bag (or an open basket of dry peat) and hang them in a dry, dark location. For storage, most bulbs require 45-50 degrees F and humidity of 25 percent or less, as in an unheated garage. Run your hand through the bulbs every few weeks to rotate them, checking and removing any that may have softened.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Curing and Storing Bulbs - Step 3
Loosely pack dahlia, flag iris and other easily dehydrated bulbs (those lacking tunicates) in a porous container of barely moist peat. These bulbs are subject to drying, as are some summer-flowering bulbs and those of tropical origin. Dust them of clinging soil, set them in a bed of slightly moist peat or sawdust, and completely cover them with additional moist peat or sawdust. Store them at around 40 degrees F, occasionally mixing and moistening the sawdust to keep your bulbs from dehydrating.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Curing and Storing Bulbs - Step 4
Store the bulbs under the light, humidity and temperature conditions recommended for each species. Beginning about 2 months before planting, chill the bulbs in a cold, humid space.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
