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Unearthing And Storing Your Ragged Spring Bulbs

LSU AgCenter

The foliage on your spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths is probably beginning to look a little ratty in your landscape by now. Late April to early May is a great time to dig these spring flowering bulbs out of the garden where it's possible.

If these bulbs happen to be growing in the lawn or close to a three or shrub, consider leaving them in the landscape to go dormant naturally. It's not worth disturbing the root systems of other plants in order to properly store these bulb.

For the best results for next year's blooms for those bulbs that you can get out of the ground, use a pitchfork instead of a shovel. With a pitchfork, you'll loosen the soil but won't sever roots or accidentally cut a bulb in half the way you might do with a shovel.

Knock away loose soil, but whatever you do, don't wash the bulbs with water. Extra water will contribute to rotting. Find a cool, dry, dark place to store the bulbs temporarily, but don't use the refrigerator just yet. Cut off any foliage or roots, leaving only the bulb. It'll need to sit out 48 to 78 hours to dry slightly before placing it in the fridge. Any shelf in the garage or a closet in the home will be a great temporary spot for drying the bulbs. Insure excellent air circulation around the bulbs.