How to Store Flower Bulbs So They Last

Why proper storage matters

Whether you’re saving bulbs before planting or lifting them after a season, correct storage keeps them firm and viable. Poor storage causes rot, mould, or shrivelling — and dead bulbs won’t bloom.

Keep them cool and dry

The golden rule: store bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sun. Warmth and damp cause rot and mould, while dryness and heat shrivel them. A dark, airy spot is ideal.

Let lifted bulbs dry first

If you’ve dug up bulbs after flowering, gently clean off the soil and let them dry (cure) in an airy, shaded spot for a few days before storing. This prevents rot in storage.

Use breathable storage

Store bulbs in a paper bag, mesh bag, or a box with dry coco peat or sawdust — never in a sealed plastic bag, which traps moisture and causes rot. They need to breathe.

Keep them separated

Don’t pile bulbs in a damp heap. Spread them out or layer them in dry material so air circulates and one rotting bulb doesn’t spoil the rest.

Check on them

Inspect stored bulbs occasionally and remove any that are soft, mouldy, or rotting before they affect the others. Healthy bulbs stay firm.

Don’t store too long

Bulbs are happiest in the ground. Store them only as long as needed before their planting season — the fresher you plant them, the better they bloom.

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