preserving unplanted bulbs for fall 2015

11 years ago

My fiancee found a bargain on about 100 amaryllis paperwhites at Home Depot that we would like to give as part of a wedding favor next fall (September). I've found lots of guidance on how to extend the life of amaryllis through the seasons to flower again next year, but nothing about how to keep the bulbs until next fall if not planted.

What would you advise?
Is refrigeration an option?
Could they survive un-planted in a dark, cold, dry space, like a garage or basement? What temp is ideal?
Or... do they need to be planted underground before spring to keep nourishment stable and then could possibly be dug up sometime end of summer?

I'm very hopeful that we can do something to save our investment from failure.

Many thanks for your guidance. All the best, Rob

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Comments (8)

socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
11 years ago
The terms amaryllis and paperwhites are usually used to describe two very different bulbs. Are these the amaryllis bulbs that are usually about 2-3 inches in diameter and that put up one stalk with a few large flowers, or the paperwhites, smaller bulbs, that have clusters of little daffodil-like flowers? I think that would help people to answer your question.
cooperdr_gw
11 years ago
The problem I found with storing bulbs is that they can dry out and shrivel up to nothing. If you buried them deeply in slightly damp sand that could work- no guarantees.
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rob1025
Original Author
11 years ago
All are amaryllis bulbs, none paperwhite.
linaria_gw
11 years ago
100 Amaryllis would be quite a huge bag, you sure you got he plant name right? Any chance of a pic?

Amaryllis are not frost hardy and considered indoor plants, you should pot them up.

anyway, both will probably whither and die, frigde or no fridge.

A proper ID would help, then we could point you to the best way to grow them,

IME some bargains just aren't so hot, right now it seems to me you can learn something for next time

And if it was my wedding I would prefer to give away healthy plants, not overstored-longinthetoothhalfdead...

Good luck, bye, Lin
socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
11 years ago
If amaryllis, I'd ask for advice on the gardenweb amaryllis forum,
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
regardless of which they are ... you are running a very high risk.. of giving a very poor wedding gift/favor ...

ken
cooperdr_gw
11 years ago
That sand idea works for carrots. I'm not saying it'll work for bulbs but if you have 100 of them- well you know.
rob1025
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you to all who offered guidance. We returned most bulbs and kept a few to pot and experient with wet sand preservation. Best, Rob