How to preserve tulip bulbs step by step
With tulips, the general recommendation is always preserve the planted bulb throughout the year so that their flowering will be as spectacular as possible. However, it may happen that we have purchased the bulbs too early or that the climate is too cold, making it necessary to store them outside the ground.
The ideal time to plant tulip bulbs It's in the fall. Likewise, bulbs don't tolerate temperatures below -10°C in the soil, so if we purchased them in spring or live in an area with very cold winters, we'll need to store the bulbs until a more optimal time for them.
We may also need to dig up our planted bulbs to protect them from the coldest weeks of winter. In any case, if you're wondering how to preserve tulip bulbs properly, follow these steps:
- Cut the stems: Use properly sterilized pruning shears to cut tulip bulbs planted after their flowers have died. This prevents the plant from wasting energy maintaining parts that would soon die anyway. Make the cut as close to the ground as possible, but only cut the stem, not the leaves.
- Wait for the leaves to dry and turn yellow: This takes approximately six weeks to complete, during which time the bulb will have stored the sun's energy thanks to its leaves. During this time, reduce watering to prevent rot. Use a shovel to loosen the soil around the bulb and then carefully remove it.
- Extract the roots and leaves: At this point, they should come out easily with the same hand, without needing to resort to scissors. Even if they don't come off, use a sterilized pruning tool to cut off the remaining stem as close as possible to the base of the bulb, but without damaging it.
- Clean the bulbs: Very carefully remove any traces of dirt, dust, grime or anything else with kitchen paper.
- Look for bulbs in poor condition: A tulip bulb should be firm and smooth. If you see soft or dark brown areas, this indicates rot. If this happens, you can discard the bulb or try cleaning the affected area with the paper towel itself. You can even prune the affected area if it's not too large.
- Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place for about 48 hours: They should not be exposed to sunlight nor should there be any humidity in the environment, either of which can cause rot.
- Wrap each bulb in newspaper: Do this separately and choose where to store it. You can hang them in a typical onion or potato net in a cool, dark room like a garage, in a closet, or, if your climate is very hot, in the refrigerator. However, you should follow the recommendations below if you choose this last option.
Check the condition of your bulbs regularly, and if they're very wrinkled or dry, spray them with water to maintain a minimum level of humidity and prevent them from dying. You can replant them in the fall, but before the first frost.
Preserving tulip bulbs: dangers and common mistakes
Be careful with these Common mistakes when preserving bulbs and the dangers they may pose:
Not keeping them in the fridge is a mistake
One of the most common misconceptions is that bulbs can't be stored in the refrigerator. We can, and in some climates it's recommended, but there are some guidelines to follow.
The first and most important thing is to avoid storing them with other fruits or vegetables, which emit ethylene, a gas that kills tulip bulbs. The other important requirement is to keep them protected from light in the refrigerator, so they must be protected in an opaque drawer.
Not providing them with moisture is a very serious mistake.
The other common mistake is not providing any moisture at all, as the bulb is alive and needs some moisture. If too much time passes and your bulbs seem to be deteriorating, use a water mist sprayer to provide some moisture, but change the newspaper afterward.
How long do tulip bulbs last?
It depends on each plant and the specific storage conditions, but it is usual that The bulbs can last between 6 and 12 weeks If we take good care of the entire process. Leaving the bulb out of the ground for any longer is likely to end badly, as it will have deteriorated significantly and will likely no longer be able to grow and develop into a plant.
