Can I store tulip bulbs for a year?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.You must properly store tulip bulbs for one year with some delicate conditions.Because tulip bulbs require a dormancy period of around 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit in slightly damp peat moss, if it is too dry, they will desiccate, and if too wet, mold will develop. I once had a rare variety that was compromised because the container was not sealed properly. Right after that, I started making sure the bulbs were not touching by layering them to avoid rot from transferring.
Temperature Audit
- Use a digital thermometer
- Adjust fridge settings if above 45°F
- Relocate bulbs from garage cold spots
Mold Inspection
- Check for white fungal threads
- Brush off surface mold with dry cloth
- Isolate affected bulbs immediately
Storage tricks differ by region. Coastal gardeners adapt to humidity by placing silica gel packets in their bulb storage. In dry regions, the bulbs are wrapped in moist burlap before placing them into a box for storage. A New Mexico customer stored tulip bulbs this way, and after 11 months in a dark, cool room, 90% of them opened. Adapt to the environmental challenges you face.
Ethylene gas is released from apples or peppers, which speeds up the development of decay. Keep the tulips in sealed containers and away from the fruit. The mini-fridge is only for bulbs, not produce. I label my boxes, so I do not confuse myself in spring: "Tulipa ‘Queen of Night' - Dug 10/2023"
You can generally revive suspect bulbs by soaking them in a kelp solution overnight. To test the viability of a bulb, cut one in half horizontally. If it has a creamy center, it's still alive. Last year, 70% of 'expired' bulbs flowered using this technique. Don't discard them without that step. Nature can surprise you.
Read the full article: How to Store Bulbs: Expert Guide for Healthy Blooms
