Harvest Fall Bulbs for Spring Savings

For years, I was told by my super-gardener neighbour Mrs. F, to save my flower bulbs and save money in the spring. For years, I didn’t listen. Then, post-pandemic I went to a garden store. I bought some Canna Lillies and Dahlias, and the bill made my jaw drop. We all know everything is going up in price, that’s true for plants too.

So, Mrs F, you’ll be happy to know, I’ve started preserving my bulbs.

The process is pretty simple really, but it requires some elbow grease.

1. After the first frost, gently dig up your bulbs (take the roots too). You don’t want the bulbs to break or split.

2. Knock off as much dirt as you can

3. Cut the stalks (for Canna Lillies keep about 30cm of stalk on the bulbs)

4. Layer the prepared bulbs in a box or bin, separated by straw or newspaper. The bulb clumps shouldn’t touch.

5. Leave the bulbs to dry in a warm shed or garage for 7 days. This will toughen the exterior of the bulbs.

6. Once dried, separate the bulbs if possible, and store each bulb in an individual, labeled paper bag. (Some gardeners suggest dusting the bulbs with Sulphur power or fungicide. I don’t)

7. Over-winter in a cool dry place (I used a corner of my storage room in the basement)

8. In spring, start your bulbs in pots inside or save them for spring and plant after the last frost

Watch the How-To video "You Canna Do It-Save Your Flower Bulbs, Save $"