Tender summer-flowering bulbs are best overwintered in which location?

• A. an unheated garage
• B. a dry cellar with temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees F
• C. a humid garden shed with temperatures about 40 degrees F
• D. a warm, dry basement with temperatures about 70 to 75 degrees F

Answer: (B)

Tender summer-flowering bulbs stay alive through dormancy, so the goal is to store them in a place that is dry, cool, and stable enough to slow their metabolism without freezing them. A dry cellar that stays around 60–65°F provides just that: it keeps moisture in check to prevent rot and keeps the bulbs from waking up and sprouting, which would waste their stored energy. If the environment is too warm, they may dry out or sprout prematurely; if it’s too damp or near freezing, they can rot or suffer frost damage. After lifting and cleaning the bulbs, let them dry and pack them in ventilated containers or paper bags with a little absorbent material, and check them periodically for any signs of decay.