Can Flower Bulbs Get Wet?

Soil Drainage

• All flower bulbs require quick, efficient drainage in their planting sites, so gardeners must plant flower bulbs using a quick-draining soil or compost. Flower bulbs will rot if they grow in tight soil or in soil that stays damp.

Storage

• Although flower bulbs can stay in the ground year-round in warm areas, gardeners in cold areas must dig up and store their flower bulbs during winter. Storage must be clean and dry, as damp conditions will cause bulbs to rot. A good choice would be to use peat moss or perlite, in a clean box, and a well-ventilated area for storage.

Drying Bulbs

• Gardeners who are going to store their bulbs should lay the bulbs in a clean, dry and protected spot for at least a week before storage, to allow the bulbs to dry. This lessens the opportunity for decay during storage.

Watering

• Bulbs that grow in a quick-draining, supportive foundation should receive water once a week. As long as water drains through the soil quickly, rather than sitting, it won't damage bulbs.