Digging & Storing Tender Bulbs

When should tender flower bulbs be dug?

Usually we wait until after the first frost to dig the bulbs and corms. After digging the gladioli corms, cut the tops off flush with the corms. The dahlia, canna and tuberous begonia root clumps should be lifted with a spading fork, shaken to removes the soil and have the tops cut off at ground level.

How are the glad corms prepared for winter storage?

They should be spread in a dry place for 2-3 weeks to cure. After curing, break off the old shriveled corms and roots. Before storing, put the corms in a paper bag with 5% Sevin dust and shake well to control thrips.

How are the other tender roots stored?

The dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonia roots should be dried well but not to the point of shriveling. After curing place them in a large plastic bag without holes and tie securely.  Many individuals will store them in vermiculite, peat or sand.  Store in the coolest frost free place in the home (40-50 degrees is ideal). However they are stored, check occasionally to make sure that they aren't getting moldy from being too wet or shriveling from being to dry.  Don't divide until next spring.

Fall Care of Perennials

When should the perennial flowers be cut back in the fall?

Most of the perennials should not be cut back for the winter. Leaving the tops on until spring helps hold snow and protects the plants for the winter.

Do we cut any of the perennials back?

Yes, normally the peonies and iris are cut down in late fall. The peony stalks are cut down just below soil level to reduce the amount of blight fungus which overwinters. Iris are cut back because they are very susceptible to rot in the spring from wet soil.

What care should the perennial flowers receive in the fall?

They should be watered in well, especially if we have a dry fall. Stop fertilizing in late July - early August.

Are perennials transplanted in the fall?

Yes, the peonies, iris, daylilies, lilies and all the spring flowering bulbs can be dug and transplanted at this time.

Fertilizer

How do we know when the garden soil is ready to be worked?

Just take a handful of dirt and squeeze it. If it's cold and remains a mudball when you open your hand it's too wet to work.

When should organic matter or fertilizer to the garden?

Add these materials on the garden surface either in the fall or just before working it in the spring.

What type of organic matter would help a garden?

Any organic matter such as compost, rotted manure, leaves or grass clippings can help loosen the soil in the garden. Wood ashes and bonemeal are not recommended in our area because they are salty and would be bad for our alkaline soil.

How much commercial fertilizer should be added?

We recommend that gardeners have a soil test done to know exactly how much fertilizer should be added. If you don't want to do a soil test, you can either apply a flower garden fertizer at the rate recommended on the container or 2# of 5-10-5 garden fertilizer for each 100 sq ft of flower bed. 

Overwintering Geraniums

Is there a special way to keep your geraniums over winter?

Many individuals try to keep the geraniums overwinter with varying results. I bring my plants indoors leaving them in their pots but pruning them back to 8-10". I overwinter them on a bench in my basement under a shop light with a timer set for 8 hours a day. I only water when they seem really dry.

Can the geraniums be dug up and just stored in the basement?

This technique was commonly used in the past when individuals had root cellars in their basements. Most basements are too warm and too dry for this to work. The plants can be dug and kept in some type of container or enclosure which will keep the humidity up and hopefully keep the temperature down.

Will geraniums overwinter as house plants?

Yes, if you have a good sunny location the geraniums can be grown as houseplants for the winter. Remember to keep them on the dry side.

This page was last updated August 2002

Back to Flower Questions

Back to Horticulture Page