Storing Lily Bulbs Over Winter

by Meagan
(Cushing, Maine)

I have 50 mixed hybrid lillies that I ordered from a catalog. We may be moving this winter so I'd like to wait until spring to plant them. How do I keep them good so they won't get ruined over winter?

Doug says he doesn't know how you're going to do that. Normally, if you try to keep them over the winter, they dry out and die.

if you're *really* committed to not planting them, I guess I'd put them in a paper bag and put them in the crisper of the frig. I don't hold out much hope - some will start sprouting in a few months and you'll have to pot them up. Some will die and maybe some will get through the winter.

Or you could pot them all up in 6-inch pots (one per pot) and grow them outside until you move. As long as you don't freeze them solid - like down to 0F - then they may be fine. That way you can take the pots along with you and plant in your new home.

Or you could say "may not" be moving and plant them anyway.

It's only 50 bulbs. And when you get to moving and packing, it's a small thing and small cost compared to the rest of the process.

But I understand the desire to see them in bloom. :-)

Good luck

Or you can simply plant them and call it a great gift for the folks who are going to move in after you.