Question From: L. Sorensen - ILLINOIS
Q: At perhaps not the best time of the year I was forced to dig up a clump of colchicum specious that completed their beautiful blooming three weeks go. I have now 50+ good looking bulbs that have been dried and are now temporarily stored in the dark basement at 60 degrees, individually wrapped in kitchen-roll-paper. Will they survive until I plant them next August or do you have a more scientific way of having them survive?
A:
They will not survive in your basement. I suggest you put them in a container of soil and store them in an unheated building over the winter. Plant them as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
Q: I suppose that the soil will have a bit of moisture when I transfer them to the container, and that it will not be necessary to add water during the next five months since the temperature will rarely reach 45 degrees. Am I correct? Thanks very much for your initial answer. These are gorgeous plants, and it would be a pity to lose them. Leif
A:
I suggest you contact the Morton Arboretum regarding this issue. Every situation is different. I think they will give you a more educated guess. I have never overwintered bulbs under these conditions. My answer comes from research. Please let us know how it goes. Best Nancy.
