How to Lift and Store Crocus Bulbs

How to Lift and Store Crocus Bulbs

Like most bulbs, crocuses prefer to be left undisturbed, their bulbs cozily snuggled into the soil for many years. But there are times when you may want to lift and store them for a bit.

A sure sign that warm, sunny days are nearing, their cheery flowers are among the earliest of spring bulbs, often pushing through snow to herald the end of winter with their rich colors!

We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

They have outstanding cold hardiness, with the small corms suitable for USDA Zones 3 to 8, and they handle freezing temperatures with ease. So the bulbs don’t need to be stored for cold protection.

But they do benefit from division every five years or so to prevent overcrowding, which drains the plants of vigor and results in fewer and smaller flowers.

And there can be other reasons to lift and store bulbs for a few months as well, like when you’re reworking a bed or redesigning a container – you may want to hold off on replanting your bulbs until fall arrives.

Or maybe you’re going to try your hand at forcing bulbs indoors and want a supply of cured bulbs ready for planting when the time is right.

Whatever your reasons for lifting them, you’ll want to ensure it’s done at the correct time so you’ll have large, healthy corms loaded with energy for next year.

If your spade is poised, let’s unearth the steps on how to store crocus bulbs!

Here’s what you’ll find ahead:

Crocus is a genus of perennial, spring-flowering bulbs in the iris family, Iridaceae.

Low-growing plants with large flowers, the small corms – not true bulbs, but similar – have superb cold hardiness and the intensely