Typically, bulb companies ship when it is time to plant in your area, so you should be fine planting when you receive your order. Here's what I know about the others: Gladiolas: you'll have to dig and store. Wait until the foliage begins to brown, or as soon after frost kills it as possible. Dig the corms while the stems are still firmly attached. Shake off the soil and let them dry a few hours in the sun. (Be sure to label them and keep them sorted accordingly.) Then remove them to a frostproof garage, etc. to cure for a few weeks. High temps won't hurt them, but they need good air circulation. When the stems come off the corms easily, do that and clean them up (soil), put them into paper bags, a small box, or a flat, always with a LABEL. Store them as close to 40 degrees as you can. You can pack them in sand, peatmoss, etc, but this is usually not necessary. Bearded irises do not need to be dug. Dahlias do need to be dug. Consult the dahlia forum for excellent information. I'm pretty sure that Asiatic lilies do not need digging. If I am incorrect, I am sure someone will chime in. Japanese Iris, Alliums, and Daffodils are all winter hardy. No digging needed.

Thanks. I will take this question over to the Dahlia forum. However, I posted here in hopes someone would have a region-specific comment. So I'm still open to other people's thoughts or stories if someone is in the same zone and has had a similar experience. Best, Myles

Yep..what he said about compost..add 3" of compost in a 12" dia. or just fill the entire area. They will love it and grow very strong. I save my leafs every fall and import and neighbors bags that are easy to move. I had a pile 4ft. high by 6 ft. in dia. It will not be enough as it breaks down and disappears by summers end. But the difference of plants with compost top dressing versus the pkants in bare dirt is amazing. Maybe a test is in order for you to learn from? Compost some and not the others? The results will be apparent by late July. I would avoid the cheap compost available at the big hardware stores. Find a local nursery that sells the "black gold". They usually make it themselves. CrAzY LaRrY

This is my first time wintering them, too! I am following the advice of this forum.I researched a bit and it seemed the easiest, with best results.(Hope I attached the link to the forum entry correctly!) Here is a link that might be useful: Dahlia advice-saran wrap method