How to store crocuses after they have bloomed

But most gardeners consider it correct to dig up and send early plants for storage. Those bulbs that are grown in pots also need to be dug up. Everything must be done within the rules drawn up by experienced gardeners.

Necessary actions before sending crocuses for storage

In order to preserve crocuses in winter, you need to properly prepare them for dormancy. After the foliage and flower mass begin to turn yellow, you should start watering the flower less. Then wait until the leaves and flowers are completely dry. It is important that they fall off on their own; slightly wilted specimens cannot be picked, as this could damage the plant.

Then the bulbs must be carefully removed from the soil. After this, the tubers should be dried in the open air in a place where the sun's rays do not reach. When they dry, the daughter bulbs should be separated from the mother bulbs and treated with a special disinfectant.Before this, it is imperative to sort the bulbs from defective specimens and throw away all rotten and dead roots. Only then can saffron be stored until the new season (those crocuses that bloom in autumn are planted in August, and those that bloom in spring - in September).

Proper storage of crocuses during the dormant period

Wooden boxes are considered the most optimal container for storing saffron bulbs. Their bottom must be filled with ordinary paper (or newspaper) sheets. Then, spread the crocus bulbs in one layer and sprinkle them with fungicide to protect them from mold.

After this, the planting material should be covered with a paper cover and stored in a cool place (+15 °С). It is also acceptable when the thermometer readings are +20-22°C, but only if they are planned to be planted in open soil in September-October. Otherwise, the saffron will “wake up” ahead of time.

For spring varieties, +10-15°C are considered more suitable storage conditions. It is best to store those bulbs that will be planted in August at a temperature no lower than 22 °C. This is necessary so that flower buds can begin to develop in the roots.

Detailed video story “How to propagate crocuses. When to dig up and how to store crocuses” will help you better understand all the intricacies of caring for a flower.

It's worth noting that not everyone has a "special" cool spot. Many amateur flower growers store crocuses right in the apartment (of course, not near a heat source) in low chocolate boxes under the furniture. They also enjoy the extraordinary bloom of saffron next season.