Bare-root bulbs

darren hansen 134 · February 2023

I have some Barlow black...some Asiatic and Oriental lilium and I am wondering if I should pot them now before I plant them in march.. according to the package.. thanks

JennyJ · February 2023

I think I would, particularly the Aquilegia (I think Black Barlow is a variety of that?) because that's not a true bulb but a perennial so the longer it's roots are out of the ground/soil, the more chance there is of it drying out and not surviving. Lilies are bulbs, so if you don't want to plant them just yet they'll be fine kept somewhere cool and dry.

Fairygirl · February 2023

I've just replied to your PM @darren hansen 134 - apologies for the delay.
Is this the ones you were asking about?
I'd agree with @JennyJ that B. Barlow is an aquilegia, so it would be fine planted as they're hardy, but it largely depends on your conditions, because if they've all been inside, and in plastic bags [as these things often are] it might be a bit of a shock to suddenly put them outdoors. Lilies are tough too, but if there's a lot of soft growth, that could be vulnerable, as it normally wouldn't be exposed this early.
I'd be inclined to pot everything up for another month, and just keep them ticking over somewhere sheltered outside. If you have a cold frame that would be ideal, and you can adjust the lid etc depending on the temps and weather.

Bare-root bulbs

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