Tips for Storing Tulip Bulbs

Storing tulip bulbs can be a great way to keep them blooming for several years. When tulips are finished blooming, they begin to store energy for next year's flowers. After this "re-charging" period, tulip bulbs go dormant and like to remain cool and dry until the following spring, when they begin their bloom cycle anew.

In the modern garden, however, tulips are often mixed with other plants that bloom later in the year. In these gardens, tulips can become over-watered during their dormant months. This over-watering can hinder a tulip's growth in following years and can lead to bulb rot.

Storing Tulip Bulbs The Right Way

• Leave them be! Don't remove tulip bulbs until the above ground-growth turns brown and begins to wilt. Once tulips are done blooming, the plant uses the leaves to gather and store energy for next year's growth. If you remove bulbs too early, they won't have the strength to produce new blooms the following year.
• Provide a little nest. Stored bulbs are most successful when they're packaged properly. Covering each bulb with sand, peat moss or a paper towel will help to keep them dry. For easier storage and to keep bulbs separated, consider storing each bulb in a segment of a cardboard or Styrofoam egg carton. Egg cartons are also a great way to keep bulbs organized.
• Keep them in the dark. Once you've packed your tulip bulbs away, keep them in a cool dark place that is well ventilated. Although moisture can lead to rot, a warm dry place can cause bulbs to dry out. Ideally, you're looking for a place that has average humidity and a temperature below 50 degrees.
• Beware the refrigerator! While a refrigerator might seem like a convenient tulip bulb storage area, it can be deadly. Some fruits and vegetables release gases that can harm tulip bulbs. If you're considering storing tulip bulbs in a fridge, consider using a second one or removing any fruits and vegetables before hand.
• Know when to say "when." You'll only need to store tulips until the hot, damp part of your yard until growing season is over. In most regions of the country, it's safe to put tulips back in the ground from September until the ground freezes.