Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 3/27/2004

Question
I have some cana lily bulbs that I have stored over the winter.  I was told to put them in a paper bag in peat moss but now don't know how to restart them for the spring.  Can you help?  I live in Saskatchewan and think this is Zone 5 or 7.

Answer
Saskatchewan (Canada) is much colder than that. Zones 1-3 more like it. Take a look at this page:

http://www.veseys.com/include/gardeninfo/maps.cfm?region=saskatchewan

Do not put the bulbs in the ground until it is safe to plant tender annuals outdoors. Check with a local garden center when that would be (differs by location and altitude). Usually June in your area.

You can start the bulbs indoors in large ports 4-6 weeks prior to planting out, but you must have a light source to keep them growing. If you can not light the pots indoors (with fluorescent lights placed 6" above the top of the foliage), then start them 2-3 weeks prior to planting out, and when the sprout then move them outdoors in a sunny area during the day and bring them in at night. After 2 weeks plant them  in the ground.