In botany, bulbs refer to the part of a globe-shaped stem located under the soil. For such plants, a bud arises from the bulb. These bulbs contain nutrients needed by the plant to grow. Different plants are called bulbs: garlic, onions, tulips, amaryllis, daffodils, and lilies.
Bulb plants can be harvested carefully from the ground without damaging them. If stored properly, bulb plants can last for an extended period. Where and how they are stored will determine their shelf life. Farmers who grow bulb plants for commercial purposes should consider setting up proper storage spaces. If left in the open, bulbs do sprout. Below is a guide on how you can store sprouted bulbs.
How to store sprouted bulbs
It would be best if you placed the bulbs in a dry area. If you have the bulbs in a container or a plastic bag, carefully remove them and relocate them to an area free from moisture. An area that has moisture makes the bulbs sprout more and even rot.
It would help if you stored the sprouted bulbs in a cold area. Not only should the storage area for the bulbs be dry but also cold. The bulb grows further if they are exposed to warm temperatures. However, when the temperature is low, the bulbs return to the dormant state and can’t grow.
When to plant sprouted bulbs
It would be best if you did not wait until the bulbs sprout to plant them; however, when you notice sprouting, plant them as soon as possible. Ideally, bulbs are divided into two: spring and summer-blooming bulbs.
It would help to plant summer blooming bulbs in mid to late spring. Spring-blooming bulbs include tulips which You should plant in September or October. It is the planting calendar for standard bulbs. However, those that have sprouted can be stored and wait for the proper planting season.
How to plant sprouted bulbs
First, you should handle sprouted bulbs with care when planting them. You must ensure that the sprouted buds do not cut off or get damaged in cases where the bud cuts off and the plant fails to flower.
The first step is to identify the area where you will plant the sprouted bulbs. Dig out holes that are three times the length of your bulbs. Pour some bulb fertilizer at the bottom of each hole. Place the bulbs with the root side at the bottom and then the part with the sprouting bud at the top. Cover the bulbs with soil and put mulch over them.
Conclusion
Sprouted bulbs can give out a good harvest if they are correctly stored. The place where one store these bulbs should be cold and dry. It should be free from moisture that necessitates them to grow or rot. The temperatures should be low to ensure dormancy. When planting these bulbs, one should carefully handle them and follow the steps given above. When planting sprouted bulbs, you can follow the two bulb planting seasons or choose to plant them as soon as possible.
FAQS
Can you plant a bulb that has already begun to sprout?
If they have already started sprouting, you can still plant them.
How deep should the hole be for a sprouted bulb?
It should be three times the bulb’s length.