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Another naked lady question

17 years ago

Hi,

I just got a big box of naked ladys (pink), tulips, and iris's from a friend. These plants were dug up a couple weeks ago, they all have green foliage and the tulip's were in bloom. The bulbs have been left in the cold, which for us right now in zone 5 is 20's at night,40's for the daytime high, and new snow on the ground.

What do I need to do with these bulbs? I thought about cutting all the foliage off then storing them in my basement until I can plant them out. I need your expert advice as what I need to do here.

Thanks so much...Marsha

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Comments (4)

laceyvail 6A, WV
17 years ago
I think your best bet is to plant them immediately and hope for the best. They were dug at the wrong time. Bulbs need their foliage to ripen (turn brown) becasue that's how they make food for the bulb. The Lycoris will probably survive, but perhaps not bloom this year. The tulips are less certain. Most modern tulips are one shot deals anyhow--after that you get a little foliage, but they never bloom. Depending on the type of tulip you have, they may do what the Lycoris do, or else just go blind (never bloom).

Plant them yesterday, and feed them well with a good, balanced bulb food.
mje769
Original Author
17 years ago
Would it be okay to bring the bulbs inside, wash them off and lay them on newspaper until I can get back to my gardens to plant them..it is so windy and cold outside today and temps tonight will be 5*.

I hate to lose them, and you are so right, these bulbs shouldn't have been dug up till fall. I hope they hang on until I can plant them.

Thanks Marsha
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Nancy
17 years ago
I wouldn't wash them, just lay them out and plant as soon as it warms up enough for you to get out. Very doubtful you will get bloom this year, but it is very hard to kill naked lady bulbs. Tulips, as noted before, are a different story. I planted tulips years ago, but when I found out that they don't rebloom after a couple of years, I didn't purchase more. The greenery comes up, & if they don't bloom, I dig them up, divide & replant. Usually I will get some nice blooms for a couple of years, til they need to be divided again. Really not worth the trouble, but I have a hard time tossing plants :)
girlsingardens
17 years ago
Marsha they will be just fine. I would bring them in the garage if you have them or house. All of the bulbs that you mentioned are pretty hardy. I hate this cold weather, I am up by Broken Bow and boy is it chilly. Plus it is supposed to rain everyday next week. I want to get outside and play sooooo bad. I would just box them up and then plant out when the weather cooperates. I think that it is supposed to be in the 60's on Monday.

Stacie

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