Holding bulbs over winter
Rodger Whitlock (Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:25:59 PST)
On 6 Nov 2012, at 7:59, J. Denys Bourque wrote:
Every year around this time, local stores let go what they have left of
their fall bulbs [tulips, etc.] at really cut prices. I have been thinking of
buying some, but the ground here is just about frozen. Can anyone advise if
the bulbs can be stored for planting next fall?
Some might make it. using their stored energy reserves to form a new, much
smaller bulb, but the general rule is "no". That said, tulips may survive, if
stored dry in the house, until the soil thaws in spring (when is that in New
Brunswick?), giving you tulips in flower in early summer.
You might try putting a tarp down with a foot-thick layer of leaves on it, and
waiting for the soil underneath to un-freeze in a week or so, then plant your
el cheapo bulbs in that spot.
--
Rodger Whitlock
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Z. 7-8, cool Mediterranean climate