How to Overwinter Bulbs in Containers

Rising flowering bulbs in containers permits you to domesticate tropical species like canna lilies even when you stay in chilly, northern climates.

When winter rolls round, it’s also possible to dig up and retailer your bulbs in pots for the chilly season earlier than planting out once more in spring.

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Alocasia, alliums, amaryllis, canna lilies, colocasia, crocuses, daffodils, dahlias, hyacinths, irises, peonies, ranunculus, snowdrops, tulips, and lots of extra will be overwintered in containers.

To make clear, not all of those crops technically develop from bulbs. Some have tubers or corms, however they will all be saved the identical means.

The problem with overwintering bulbs in containers is that if the temperatures are too heat, or there’s an excessive amount of direct mild hitting the pot, the bulbs might begin to come out of dormancy.

As well as, some species, like daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths, require a interval of chill hours to interrupt dormancy within the spring.

Chill hours refers back to the period of time the bulb is uncovered to temperatures between about 34 to 45°F, relying on the species.

Some species want an in depth chill interval. Daffodils, for instance, require as much as three months.

Analysis your particular species to know what particular necessities they could have, and when you’re overwintering them in containers, be sure to be mindful their wants.

Whether or not you dig up the bulbs, corms, or tubers, or they’re already rising in a pot, there are just a few steps it’s essential to take to maintain them wholesome and able to thrive the next spring.

Right here’s what I’ll cowl:

Select and Put together Your Container

In case your bulbs are already rising in a container, you possibly can skip this part.

However if you’re selecting the rising container or shifting your crops from the bottom to a pot, you’ll must do some preparations.

Just about any kind of container will work. It may be a nursery pot or a elaborate cement one.

The one requirement is that no matter pot you select will need to have a number of drainage holes. If moisture builds up contained in the container it will possibly trigger your bulbs to rot.

Subsequent, be sure that the container is clear. For those who’re reusing an present pot, be sure you wipe it down with sizzling, soapy water or a ten p.c bleach resolution (one half bleach to 9 components water) earlier than use.

Then, get your palms on an acceptable potting combine for the species you’re rising.

In-Floor Bulbs

You’ll be able to take away tender bulbs rising within the floor and put them right into a container to guard them throughout chilly winters.

You don’t must dig up species which can be hardy sufficient to your USDA Hardiness Zone.

Digging up the bulbs typically must be accomplished simply earlier than the primary freeze of the season. You don’t need to dig them up too early, however you don’t need to wait till it has turn into too chilly or the bottom has frozen, both.

Begin digging straight down, leaving a fringe of 4 to 6 inches across the foliage. Dig about six inches to a foot deep, relying on the species.

Daffodils and tulips are usually pretty shallow, whereas crocus corms will be fairly deep, for instance.

While you’ve dug across the complete perimeter, gently raise up the clump and knock away the soil to find the bulbs. Clear them with a delicate brush, being cautious to not trigger any harm.

Set them apart in a cool, darkish space the place they will treatment for every week.

Now, you possibly can fill the container with an appropriate potting combine and bury the bulbs on the acceptable depth and spacing for the species, however don’t water! The purpose is for them to remain dormant till you’re able to wake them up in spring.

You’ll be able to depart the pots exterior if it’s heat sufficient for the species and in case your winters aren’t too moist. If it rains typically and the potting medium will likely be continuously soggy, or if the temperatures drop too low, retailer them in a storage, unheated basement, or shed that stays above freezing.

The advantage of this technique is that they’ll be able to take exterior as quickly as spring rolls round and you may select to maintain them within the container or take away the bulbs and put them into the bottom.

For gardeners who stay in an space with a brief rising season, you possibly can jump-start progress indoors in early spring by shifting the container subsequent to a south- or west-facing window and including a small quantity of water.

When the temperatures are excessive sufficient for the species you’re rising, you possibly can take the container again out to their rising space and both replant them within the floor or hold them within the pot.

Potted Crops

In case your crops are already in containers, the winterizing course of is far simpler.

For tender species, all it’s essential to do is wheel or transfer the container to an unheated storage or basement. A shed or greenhouse will work, too.

Basically, you need to discover a place that can keep round 40 to 55°F however received’t even drop right down to or beneath freezing.

Trim again any remaining foliage to about an inch above the bottom. The foliage is only a drag on the plant at this level and leaves it open to fungal points.

If you wish to be further cautious, deal with the soil with copper fungicide soak earlier than shifting the pot into storage. This can kill fungal pathogens hiding within the soil and scale back the possibilities of issues within the spring.

Bonide Copper Fungicide

You’ll find Bonide Copper Fungicide in 16-ounce focus from Arbico Organics and blend it in line with the producer’s instructions.

Drench the soil with the combination.

When that’s accomplished, transfer the container into your chosen space. Make certain no direct daylight is hitting the container. There’s no must water the crops through the chilly months.

Transfer the container again exterior as quickly because the climate is heat sufficient for the species you’re rising, usually above freezing for tender species.

For species that require chill hours, you possibly can merely depart the container in place assuming that your local weather is suitable for the species. If not, you’ll want to maneuver the container to an space that drops just under freezing however not colder than the bulbs can tolerate.

This would possibly imply shifting to an unheated storage or shed. Generally a spot subsequent to a south-facing brick wall is heat sufficient due to the warmth that’s absorbed by the wall when the solar shines on it.

When the temperatures are persistently heat sufficient for the species, you possibly can transfer the pot again to its traditional spot. You’ll quickly see inexperienced shoots develop.

Don’t Let Winter Trigger Issues

Flowering bulbs produce among the most lovely and dependable blooms and foliage. However harsh winter climate can destroy all these dear bulbs except you retailer them appropriately.

What flowering bulbs are you rising? And the place do you reside? Tell us all about your set-up within the feedback.

And for extra details about overwintering your flowers, take a look at these guides subsequent: