Pre-ordering spring bulbs is one of the smartest ways to plan a successful garden, but it’s common to wonder what to do once your bulbs arrive. Proper storage keeps bulbs dormant, healthy, and ready to grow when planting season begins.
Whether you’ve ordered classic tulip bulbs, reliable daffodil bulbs, or a mix of spring favorites, following a few simple steps will help ensure strong roots and beautiful blooms.
Step 1: Inspect Bulbs When They Arrive
Open your bulb shipment as soon as it arrives. This prevents trapped moisture and allows you to quickly check bulb quality.
Look for bulbs that are:
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Firm and plump
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Dry, with intact outer skins
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Free from mold or strong odors
If you see loose soil, gently brush it off. Avoid rinsing or soaking bulbs, as excess moisture can cause rot. High-quality spring flowering bulbs are shipped dormant and ready for short-term storage.
Step 2: Store Bulbs in the Right Environment
The most important factors for bulb storage are temperature, airflow, and dryness.
Ideal storage conditions:
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Temperature: 35–50°F
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Location: Unheated basement, garage, shed, or refrigerator crisper drawer
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Airflow: Good ventilation is essential
Use:
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Paper bags
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Mesh bags
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Cardboard boxes
Avoid:
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Plastic bags or sealed containers
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Warm indoor areas
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Damp basements or sheds
Proper airflow is especially important for bulbs like hyacinth bulbs and allium bulbs, which can be sensitive to moisture buildup.
Step 3: Keep Bulbs Away from Fruit
Many fruits release ethylene gas, which can damage bulbs while they’re dormant.
Be sure to:
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Store bulbs away from apples, bananas, and pears
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Use a separate refrigerator drawer if chilling bulbs
This small step can make a big difference in bloom performance.
Step 4: Check Bulbs Periodically
Every few weeks, inspect stored bulbs to ensure they remain healthy.
During checks:
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Remove any soft or moldy bulbs
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Ensure bulbs remain dry
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Confirm storage temperatures stay consistent
Regular monitoring helps prevent one bad bulb from affecting the rest.
Step 5: Plant at the Right Time
When soil temperatures are appropriate for your growing zone, your bulbs are ready to plant. Bulbs that have been stored correctly will:
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Break dormancy naturally
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Develop strong root systems
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Produce healthier, more vibrant blooms
Pre-Order with Confidence
Pre-ordering from Easy to Grow Bulbs gives you access to top-quality varieties before they sell out and makes spring planting stress-free. With proper storage, your bulbs will be perfectly prepared for planting season.
Browse our full spring bulb pre-order collection and start planning your best garden yet.