Moving Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs: Wait Until Foliage Dies Back

When to Dig and Store Spring Bulbs

A gardener planning to move flower beds asks if they can dig bulbs now (after flowering) and store in soil in a cool place until fall replanting.

Correct Timing

Wait until foliage yellows and dies back naturally. The leaves feed the bulb for next year’s bloom. Premature digging weakens the bulb.

Division and Soil Prep

• Divide crowded bulbs (especially iris) when digging.
• Treat bulbs from other gardens with sulfur powder to prevent disease.
• Inspect for bore holes; discard damaged bulbs.
• Add bone meal (1 Tbsp per bulb) when replanting.

Soil Preparation Recipe (5×5 area)

• 2 bags topsoil
• 2 bags compost
• 1 bag sand (if needed)
• ½ bag Milorganite
• 1 bag cedar or cypress mulch
• 1 bag gypsum
• Rototill 8″+ deep.

Key Principle

80% of gardening success is soil preparation.