When the season winds down and the last flowers fade, your bulbs are quietly preparing for what comes next. Some can stay nestled in the soil all winter, while others need to be lifted and stored until spring returns. Knowing the difference ensures your garden stays full and vibrant, season after season.

Know Your Bulbs

Not all bulbs handle cold the same way. Hardy bulbs like Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Allium are built for chilly winters. Their layers act like natural insulation, protecting the living core from frost.

Tender bulbs, such as Gladiolus and Ranunculus, are more sensitive. They thrive in warmth but can’t survive freezing soil. In colder regions, gardeners lift and store them indoors to keep them safe until planting time.

When to Lift Bulbs

Wait until the foliage begins to yellow naturally. This signals that the bulb has pulled back its energy for next year’s bloom. Cut the stems down to a few inches above the bulb, then carefully loosen the soil with a hand fork or trowel. Gently lift the bulbs out, shaking off excess dirt.

Cleaning and Drying

Gladiolus and Ranunculus bulbs (or corms) should be cleaned gently—no washing, just brushing off dry soil. Lay them in a single layer on newspaper or mesh trays in a dry, airy space for about a week. This curing process helps the outer layers toughen and prevents mold later.

Proper Storage

Once dry, store the bulbs in paper bags, mesh sacks, or cardboard boxes filled with dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. Keep them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place around 45–55°F. Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers, as trapped moisture can cause rot.

Label each bag by variety and color so you’ll know exactly what you’re replanting come spring. A little organization now makes the next planting season effortless.

Hardy Bulbs Stay Cozy Outdoors

Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Allium are designed to withstand the cold. Leave them in place, but make sure the soil drains well to prevent rot. If your winters are harsh, a blanket of mulch will help moderate soil temperature and protect bulbs from frost heave.

Reliable Perennial Companions

Other favorites like Liatris, Asiatic Lilies, Oriental Lilies, Thistle, Crocosmia, Astilbe, and Gypsophila are true perennials. Once planted in good soil, they’ll rest through winter and return with little effort year after year.

A Reward for Careful Hands

Lifting and storing tender bulbs may take a little extra effort, but the reward is worth it. Every Gladiolus spike and every Ranunculus bloom you save is another burst of color earned through care and patience.