When To Lift Summer Bulbs?

Question

I am moving out of my apartment at the start of August. Last year I planted dahlia, gladiola & lilly bulbs in two large containers on my balcony. I did not lift any of them for the winter and left them in the soil. I cannot take the large containers with me so I’m wondering should I just lift them all up now and not plant them this year. I don’t want to leave them. But is it bad if they are kept out of soil and not planted this year? Moving bulbs would be easier than leaving them grow until August and then pulling them during growth/flowering.

Answer 1

You don't say what hardiness zone you are in but dahlias are only hardy to zone 8. If you are in a colder zone than that, they won't come back anyway. Glads are hardy to zone 8, or 7 if mulched heavily. So, again, if you are in a colder zone, they won't come back either. Calla lilies and canna lilies also are only hardy to zone 8. Hardy lilies, such as Asiatic and Oriental are generally hardy to zone 4, so they would be worth lifting if you are not in zones 1-3. Hardy lilies are best divided in the fall, but go ahead and dig them up when you need to. If it will be more than a couple of weeks till you can replant at your new location, go ahead and plant them in a pot that you can manage.

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/dahlia-care-grow-dahlia-plant.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/gladiola/storing-gladiola-corms.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/calla-lily/calla-lily-winter-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/lily/dividing-lily-plants.htm