Bulbs

[Kittyluvr400]

I picked up my bulbs (tulips, etc) and planted them yesterday. We are not cold at this time. I had to pot them and am worried, as I started reading I should refrigerate them to 40'sh degrees for 12 weeks before planting them. Should I dig them up and throw them in the fridge for 3 months?

[pow wow]

Are they for pots outside? If so, can you bury the pots and lift them in the spring. I only give tulips the cold treatment if I am trying to force them to bloom indoors. I am not familiar with your winters but my problem in the constant freezing and thawing from Chinooks all winter. Anything in pots won't generally survive that. So I would have to bury a planted pot of tulip bulbs and lift it in spring. Which I have done (with small trees) and it works well.

[told2b]

•In southern climates with mild winters, you need to buy pre-chilled bulbs or chill them yourself in the refrigerator for about 12 weeks before planting.

This info does not apply to you. You are Northern (Zone 7)

[Kittyluvr400]

Thanks. They are actually in baskets with cellophane to keep the water in the basket and not ooze out. I put drainage holes on the bottom. I will give them some water as needed til the freeze hairs. Could be early Dec through Early April. So right now they are 6 inches under in baskets, with temps tinkering in the 70* range. This is my first attempt and wanted to try baskets. It would be a bummer to see none come in the spring. Didn't want to plant them in the garden, since the garden gets watered daily. Hoping I have some luck come spring.

Thanks for all info on this topic.

[Kittyluvr400]

Pow wow.... I'd hate to dirty the pots by putting them in the ground....but at the same time, I could put a garbage bag in the hole before placing the pot in the ground. Will have to toy with your idea. Thanks.