SAVING BULBS

I just dug up 3 bulbs (Peruvian Iris) from a container and 4 elephant ears - can you please tell me how I can save them for the Spring. I already destroyed my dahlias, (sobbing) I don't want to lose these. Right now they're all damp on my kitchen floor on top of newspapers. Please help me save them. Thanks for the help.

little late for this answer but the best method is to store them in an onion bag or potato bag that is netted.. that will allow air circulation around them. Place them in a dark/dry area that does not freeze. A little dusting of a fungicide powder prior to storing them is a good thing to do.

Sorry to hear about the dahlias.

If you see/feel any soft rotting spots on your EE, remove it and let the tuber dry out (for a few days) first.

For the EE, I dig them up in the Fall remove the soil and stick them in the garage until the leaves die back (a few weeks). Then I cut off the leaves and place the tubers in a carboard box with shredded paper. I close the flaps of the box but do not seal it tight. The garage is about 45F. In the early spring, I replant in a pot and then plant outside when the nights are above 50F.

Some friends who keep their EE in containers just put the containers in the garage (45F) and ignore them until Spring.

Note, these directions are good for the ordinary Colocasia esculenta. Some others do not overwinter well (I have marginal success with C. esculenta 'Fontanessi' (purple stem)). They should be brought in and treated like house plants; sun and onlymoderate watering.

I am unfamiliar with the Peruvian iris? Do you mean Ismene festalis (Peruvian daffoldil?)

ROX

Thank you very much for the reply. I did place them in the garage, I hope they're still good for me to plant come April.