Storing Tulip Bulbs

[eve1974]

How long will tulip bulbs store for?

They’ve been ordered this season but may not be able to plant them in time.

Could I store in a dark dry shed until NEXT winter?

[Maydup]

Could you plant them in pots Eve?

If not then store in paper or hessian bag in a dark dry shed and see how they get on. They might try to sprout and they might dry out, so they are best planted if you can. Or give them away and rebuy next year!

[eve1974]

Great info ty maydup.

Yes if pots don’t arrive then I may plant them temporarily in a bed (not pots) this season n then lift n store again till next season. Do you think that may work?

I’d give them away as suggested except they are not mine ... I’m asking on behalf of my employer

[Maydup]

Good idea, if you can plant them out then do so.

[Atheist]

Eve, I found this on the internet.

"What if i don’t plant them by Christmas?

If you missed planting your bulbs during autumn/early winter and you’ve got a pack of tulips or daffodils laying around in January or February, plant them and take your chances. Here are our top tips for winter bulb planting:

Clear away snow and loosen soil, if possible.
If the ground is totally frozen, scatter fertilizer sparingly and over a larger range than normal.
Place bulbs on top of the soil. Do not press them in, as this will damage the bulb base, where roots form.
Cover with 2-4 inches of aged mulch or finished compost (go for the thicker layer if planting during the height of winter).
Renew mulch covering often with a fresh 2 inch layer."