Storing Surprise Lily Bulbs

by Bill
(Carroll Valley, PA)

I want to dig and store Surprise Lily Bulbs for later use after transplanting. I am thinking of digging in May after they have put up their leaves and before they flower in August. Suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill



Doug says that if these were mine, I'd dig in the fall after the blooms have faded. Then I'd immediately replant.

If you need to move the plant before then, then I'd wait till at least the spring leaves have gone yellow and died back and the bulb is dormant.

For folks who don't know this plant - it throws up leaves in the spring, goes dormant in the summer and then blooms in the fall (hardy to USDA 5/6 depending on the species)

Like many bulbs, you *can* move them at other times, you're simply risking serious setback or death if the plant is actively growing and you disturb the roots. (*can* doesn't equal *should*) :-)

Hope this helps a bit.