5 Summer-Flowering Bulbs You Should Dig Up Now to Save for Spring

Summer-flowering bulbs—also called tender bulbs—can be left in the ground year-round in warm climates. But in much of the country, tender bulbs must be dug up because they will not survive freezing temperatures. If you live somewhere cold, it’s definitely worth the effort to save your tender bulbs for next year. It’s not difficult and will save you money in the long run.

From a horticultural standpoint, bulbs and bulb-like structures such as corms, rhizomes, or tubers are all fleshy storage structures that grow underground to produce flowers; most people call all of them “bulbs.” That’s okay because digging or lifting them is accomplished in the same way.

Wait until after the first frost or two turns the leaves brown this fall, then use a garden fork or spade to dig a circle all the way around the plant a few inches away from its base. Cut back the dead foliage, leaving about 6 inches of stem. Shake off as much dirt as possible; some gardeners like to use a garden hose to get off most of the dirt. Then allow the bulbs to cure in a covered location for several days until totally dry.

Store bulbs indoors so they don’t freeze. Place in a container, and layer with vermiculite, peat moss, or white wood or cedar shavings. Don’t cover the container with a lid to prevent condensation from building up. You also can store them in paper bags. Make sure to label your bulbs so you remember what they are next spring! For container-planted bulbs, you can place the entire pot into an unheated space such as a basement.

Check bulbs regularly throughout the winter, and toss any that are moldy or squishy. Next spring, plant the bulbs after all danger of frost has passed. You may not have a 100 percent survival rate, but it’s still a thriftier way to garden than buying new bulbs every season.

Side note: Cold-hardy bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and irises, do not have to be lifted, even in northern climates. Just make sure they are suited in your USDA Hardiness zone (find your zone here).

Ahead, here are the bulbs that you’ll need to lift in cold climates.