Should I cut roots off bulbs before storing?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Trimming roots on a bulb is delicate work; cut too aggressively and you damage the basal plate where the new growth comes from, yet leave too much on and you might be leaving rot to advance. I learned that balance after I lost a prized dahlia tuber due to unappreciated root pruning. You want to leave 1-2 inches of the root to sustain the bulb while avoiding rot.
Pre-Trimming Prep
- Sanitize tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Inspect roots for nematodes or lesions
- Soak bulbs in water for 10 minutes to soften roots
Post-Cut Care
- Air-dry cuts for 48 hours before storage
- Dust with cinnamon for antifungal protection
- Store in single layers to prevent pressure points
The humidity of the region affects drying times for bulbs. In my shop by the coast, I tend to push the air-drying time to 72 hours. A customer from Arizona air-dries his bulbs within 24 hours. So, you can adjust the drying time based on the humidity in your area. Over-drying can crack bulbs, and under-drying can allow mold to develop on the bulbs. As a test to see if they are dry, rub on the roots and you should hear that crispy noise, similar to leaves crumbling.
Ethylene gas released from nearby fruit stalls can cause root regrowth. Maintain the bulbs in separate rooms away from apples or bananas. I use charcoal filters in common areas; in my trials with ranunculus and anemones, I experienced a 40% improved lack of sprouting failures.
Tag trimmed tulip bulbs with root length and date. Last season, the tulips I did not mark had weak stems and could not support the growth because the short roots I gave them could not sustain them. Now, I tagged all five batches of tulips I planted with this system: "1" roots, 10/15 trim" so I can track my records of their performance from year to year.
Read the full article: How to Store Bulbs: Expert Guide for Healthy Blooms
