Expert: Laura Walker - 12/3/2005

Question
Hi Laura. I have a quick question if you can help me, it would be greatly appreciated. I am in Raleigh, N.C.(zone 7) I am moving to the N.C. mountains (zone 6). I have several rare and expensive lillies that I am going to be taking with me. Can I dig them now and store them somehow and plant them in the spring? How would I store them? A shoe box with sand and in the fridge? I would really like to do this without destroying any of them. They are expensive. Any help would be great. Thank you for your time.....Steve

Answer
Steve,
I don't recommend storing bulbs in sand or the fridge.
The best way to preserve  these bulbsis to dig them up without cutting into them.Shake off all the soil and dry them out on newspaper in a dry,unheated,but not refridgerated area. Someplace like a basement or cellar or a garage would be fine.
Once they are dry, store them in cardboard boxes with either shredded newspaper or sawdust or even little styrofoam peanuts that are used for shipping.
In the spring when the soil is tendable,add plenty of new potting soil or aged compost to your planting area before planting the bulbs. They may not bloom the first summer after planting,but most hardy lily bulbs are not finicky and they should bloom fine for you the next year.
I love lilies too!