What's the proper procedure for digging up tulips and other spring bulbs after blooming?

Here's what I think I understand so far: I plant the bulbs in October or November (I live in Zone 6, it usually freezes in the winter); cut off the flower when it's done blooming but do not cut off the leaves until they turn yellow; do not water the bulbs after the foliage dies or they may rot. And I know they need a cold winter in order to flower in the spring.



So here's what I need to know: I want to dig up the bulbs when they're done blooming, because I have summer flowers that need to be watered often. How should I store the bulbs? Should I put them in the cupboard, where it is room temperature, or in the fridge? Do I remove the roots from the bulbs? And how do I divide them if smaller bulbs are growing on the larger ones - throw away the smaller bulbs, or will they bloom next year too?



Thanks!

What's the proper procedure for digging up tulips and other spring bulbs after blooming?
Actually, you can either remove the bulbs, or leave them in the ground. Cooler weather is better for leaving them in the soil year round. I don't think constantly watering the soil with the bulbs will rot them. Regardless, if you want to remove the bulbs, you should remove once the top growth dies back (probably mid to late summer). Shake loose dirt and place in a bag or other dry container - then store in a dark place. Then, six weeks prior to planting, place in the refrigerator to stimulate cold, or if you live in a cold area, store where they experience cold conditions. This will stimulate their cycle, and after aprx six weeks, put in the ground, "growth tip" upwards. At this point you can also separate bulbs that have begun to multiply.



Alternatively, you could just leave in the ground and let nature take it's course. If the bulbs do in fact begin dying, then remove yearly.





good luck
Reply:You don't. They stay in the ground
Reply:I dunno



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Reply:Just dig them up and plant them now at the same depth they were before with the leaves attached. Once the bloom is spent, cut off the stem. Allow the foliage to remain until it turns yellow and then pull it gently from the bulb. The leaves will continue to make food for next years blooms. When the leaves turn yellow, they should be able to be removed with a gentle tug. Best to add some bulb food or bone meal to the soil when you plant.



Good luck
Reply:a brown paper bag in ur cheese compartment till ready to plant.... cut the roots off leaving about an inch or so! u can throw the small ones away if u like throwing "free plants" away that is..... plant em with the rest