How long is the storage period for bulb flowers? You'll understand after reading this

After bulb flowers enter dormancy, their bulbs generally need to be dug out and stored under suitable conditions. Since the bulbs store a large amount of nutrients and retain buds or growing points, and most bulbs undergo flower bud differentiation during storage, the quality of bulb storage will affect the normal growth and flowering of the plants after planting.

I. Storage of overwintering bulbs

Overwintering bulbs mainly refer to spring-planted bulbs. Different types of bulbs require different environmental conditions for storage.

1. Storage under moist and low-temperature conditions. During storage, a moist substrate and relatively low temperature are required. This type of bulb mainly includes dahlia, canna, and others.

After lifting canna, dry the rhizomes appropriately, then bury them in a moist substrate such as sand, sawdust, vermiculite, or moss, and store them at 5°C to 7°C, paying attention to ventilation. When the quantity is small, they can be stored in clay pots or wooden boxes; when the quantity is large, they can be piled indoors or stored in a cellar.

When lifting dahlia, dig out the tuberous roots (if dividing, part of the rhizome must be retained and coated with plant ash), dry them appropriately for 2 to 3 days, and then store them. The method is basically the same as for canna.

Lilies require low temperature and slightly moist conditions. Although lilies are autumn-planted bulbs, their flowering period is relatively late and their dormancy period is relatively short. Bulbs harvested in summer and autumn must undergo a certain period of low-temperature cold storage to break dormancy. Otherwise, the plants will grow unevenly after planting. The cold storage temperature varies slightly with variety, generally 0°C to 10°C. Lily bulbs have no tunic and easily lose water and shrink, so they must be buried in slightly moist sand during storage, while also preventing disease and rot caused by moisture.

2. Storage under dry and low-temperature conditions

Mainly includes gladiolus, tuberose, and others. If the environmental humidity is relatively high during storage, these bulbs are highly prone to disease and mildew, causing serious effects on growth after planting. Therefore, during storage, the environment must be kept dry with good ventilation, while maintaining an appropriate low temperature. When storing bulbs, racks need to be set up, with bamboo blinds, reed blinds, or bamboo sieves placed on the racks, and during storage they must be turned and checked frequently to prevent mildew and rot. The temperature requirements and specific storage methods vary with the type of bulb.

After lifting gladiolus and disinfecting it, air-dry it for one week, then store it on racks at 2°C to 4°C. If the temperature is below 0°C, the corms are prone to mildew and rot; if above 4°C, they are prone to sprouting.

In the north, tuberose is lifted after being forced into dormancy in winter, then the leaves and the thin layer of fibrous roots at the lower part of the corms are cut off, and it is air-dried promptly. After the outer skin is dry, it is stored on racks. Initially the room temperature is 25°C to 26°C, and after two weeks it is maintained at 15°C to 20°C.

II. Storage of summer-dormant bulbs

Summer-dormant bulbs mainly refer to autumn-planted bulbs. The key to good summer storage of bulbs is to keep the storage environment dry and cool, prevent stuffiness and humidity, and keep the temperature suitable for flower bud differentiation. When lifting the bulbs, first dry them thoroughly. During storage, it is best to set up racks, or the bulbs can be spread out. During storage, turn and check them frequently, and be sure to maintain good ventilation.

After lifting tulips, prevent bruising or exposure to the sun. After air-drying and grading, store them in a dark, ventilated, cool environment.

Before storing narcissus, cut off the fibrous roots, and use mud to seal the bases of the offset bulbs connected on both sides of the bulb, protecting the offset bulbs from falling off, then spread them in the sun to dry. After the seals are dry, store them in a low-temperature environment.

When storing bulbous iris, it is not advisable to separate the daughter bulbs from the root system, so as to avoid rotting of the wounds. Separate them again when planting in autumn. The environment should be cool, dry, and ventilated.

Whether overwintering bulbs or summer-dormant bulbs, they must not be stored mixed with fruits, vegetables, etc., and at the same time be carefully guarded against rats.