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Freezing bulbs
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Posted by bunti 8 (My Page) on Wed, Nov 4, 09 at 11:02
| I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. Last year i had baby and now he started walking. He is pulling all my plants. Can i keep all bulbs in refrigerator for whole winter and plant them in spring or summer? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Freezing bulbs
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| Hi Bunti, I keep my bulbs dormant and cool all winter (folks call it forcing but I don't think that sounds very nice to the bulbs). I store them in the garage where it's cold and dry but won't freeze. If you keep them in a refrigerator all winter, then I would recommend just to be sure they're not moist. btw, I'm in Raleigh and come to Charlotte often, if you ever want to trade bulbs. Alana |
RE: Freezing bulbs
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- Posted by jodik 5 Central IL (My Page) on
Wed, Nov 4, 09 at 18:09
| I'm not certain what the ideal temperature for bulb refrigeration is... perhaps someone else here with refrigeration experience can provide that piece of information... anyone? I would caution you to test your refrigerator beforehand with a thermometer to make sure it's not too cold, and that it maintains a fairly steady temperature. There can be areas within a refrigerator that are colder than other areas, and if the bulbs are allowed to touch the sides or bottom, some frost from condensation or possible freezing can occur. I know some people will clean and dry their bulbs, dust them with an anti-fungal powder, wrap them in newspaper, and store them inside cardboard shoe boxes within the refrigerator. This ensures protection from cold spots and condensation. I've never stored my bulbs in a refrigerator... but if I did, I'd prepare them properly before doing so, and make sure the appliance kept a steady temperature. I'm also not quite sure how long is considered too long, with regards to time spent being chilled in a refrigerator. |
RE: Freezing bulbs
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- Posted by ryan820 z5b Denver, Colorado (My Page) on
Wed, Nov 4, 09 at 19:39
| I second what Alana and Jodi have said in their replies. I'll add to that info I got from another Ryan on this site who quoted Reed's (I think that is the authors name) book on hippeastrum that the temp range should be around 40 but not below 38. Someone will correct me if I have misquoted but for me, I put a min/max thermometer in the drawer I planned on storing my bulbs and checked it every day. It never waived a degree above 40 and never below 40F. So I considered that the winning drawer! As for how long you can store them, I imagine it can be fairly long but I would caution that it might be a good idea to take them out every month or so and do a quick visual inspection of their health and in the mean time they get some fresh air. Also, refrigeration does have a drying effect on things. Ryan |
RE: Freezing bulbs
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| The other thing about storing bulbs in a refrigerator is that you must never store them with fruits or vegetables in the same enclosed space. THey give off ethylene, which promotes ripening and decay. IT can cause the embryonic flower to abort or decay in the bulb. |
RE: Freezing bulbs
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- Posted by jodik 5 Central IL (My Page) on
Thu, Nov 5, 09 at 19:28
| Oops! Thank you, Lizalily! I knew I was forgetting something... yes, it's wise to dedicate an entire crisper drawer, or an entire fridge, to house your bulbs! A dorm fridge would be perfect for something like this. |
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