What do I do with fall bulbs that I didn't have time to plant?

Pat
by Pat

I ordered too many fall bulbs to plant them all. It will be in the high 50s this weekend and I can get some more in but is there anyway to store/protect these bulbs (tulips, lilies, brodelias, crocus, etc) and have them survive the winter and bloom in the spring. Zone 7. I don't have a spare refrigerator or cool space to force them.

  4 answers
  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Nov 29, 2018

    You can store your extra bulbs in a container which has either vermiculite or perlite in it. (purchase at your local hardware or gardening store) Plant as many as you can first.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Nov 29, 2018

    Place them, wrapped in paper towels, in a open cardboard box or lid. Slide the box under a bed—way under, but don’t forget them in the early spring. If any rot, the paper towels will prevent a mess. When the coldest weather is over, start planting. Share a bunch of flowers if you have too many, and just out of kindness, too. Best wishes! ☺️

    • Pat Pat on Nov 30, 2018

      Under a bed? I would think the bulbs would rot being that hot.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Nov 29, 2018

    If they are going to be planted in rows or groups, don't do separate holes for them, dig a trough the depth you need and place the bulbs down and fill in with the soil, that will save time and may allow you to plant more of your bulbs. If you have a garage or shed, garage is the best, you could try storing them in there. I have had bulbs survive in pots in the garage where it doesn't necessarily get as cold as it is outside. The soil seemed to give it enough protection to not freeze them too much, even in the Minnesota winters.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Nov 30, 2018

    I’d plant them as soon as you can. I’ve planted some bulbs late and they have come up in the spring.