11 Tender Bulbs You Should Dig and Store in November

What’s November like in your garden? Here in the northeast, it’s a less-than-joyous trifecta of gray skies, leaf-less trees, and bone-chilling precipitation that is somewhere between snow and rain. We may have had a few light frosts in October, but November will certainly bring the harsher temps. This means it’s time to start planting out those hardy bulbs and bringing in the tender ones.

What bulbs you need to dig up and store in November will largely depend on your growing zone, local climate, and the type of plant. Gardeners in zones 7 and 8 are right on the cusp of hardiness for many of our favorite tropical and tender plants. Depending on how well-drained the soil is or how dry the winters are, some gardeners may be able to tuck their bulbs in with an extra thick layer of mulch.

Other gardeners? Not so lucky. If you are gardening in a climate that features long and cold winters, dig in (literally) and get these tender bulbs out of the garden this month. 

Anemone

	botanical name Anemone coronaria
	height 0.5’-2’
	hardiness zones 7-10

These cheery little flowers are probably the most cold-tolerant on this list, although they will not survive months of subzero temperatures. Anemone have lovely white, pink, purple, and blue petals surrounding darker centers. Not to be confused with the perennial wood anemone or fall-blooming Japanese anemone, these plants are commonly grown as cool-season cut flowers or bedding plants.

Anemones are hardy in zones 7 and 8 if covered with mulch in the fall, and can be left uncovered year-round in zones 9 and warmer. Gardeners in colder zones will need to store these corms indoors for the winter. Wait until the foliage has withered and turned yellow, then dig the anemone up. Let the corms dry for 2-3 days, then gently remove the dead foliage. Store corms in a dark, dry location kept at room temperature.

Caladium

	botanical name Caladium bicolor
	height 1’-2.5’
	hardiness zones 9-10

Caladiums are prized for their gorgeous, heart-shaped leaves that unfurl in shades of white, pink, red, and green. These fabulous foliage plants are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. As such, they require hot, humid conditions and are mostly grown as a summer annual in North America.

More tender than dahlias, caladium tubers should be dug and lifted before frost has hit your area. Remove the soil from the tubers and allow them to cure for one week in a warm location out of direct sun. Store caladium tubers in a slightly warmer location than your other tender bulbs – a mild 55-60°F (13-16°C) is best.

Calla Lily

	botanical name Zantedeschia aethiopica
	height 1’-3’
	hardiness zones 8-10

The funnel-shaped, upright flowers of the calla lily makes them incredibly popular with cut flower enthusiasts. Blooms are typically white, although horticulturists have bred several pink, yellow, orange, and purple cultivars. Calla lilies have long, arrow-shaped leaves that are either solid green or lightly speckled with white. These plants are native to southern Africa, where they are found in coastal marshes, wet meadows, and other warm, slightly wet regions. 

Calla lilies make excellent container plants and can be grown indoors. They will not survive outdoors in areas with freezing cold winters. Gardeners in zones 7 and colder should plan to lift calla lily rhizomes shortly after the first frost. Cut off the wilted stems 1-2 inches above the soil line, then dig up the rhizomes. Dry the rhizomes for 2-3 weeks in a warm location out of direct sunlight, and store them at 45-55°F (7-13°C).

Canna 

	botanical name Canna spp.
	height 1’-8’
	hardiness zones 6-10

Cannas or canna lilies are known for their lush, orchid-like flowers that emerge in brilliant red, pink, coral, orange, and yellow. Huge green, bronze, burgundy, or bicolor leaves ensure this plant looks eye-catching, even when not in bloom. There are dozens of canna lily species scattered around tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Compared to some of the other tender bulbs mentioned in this article, cannas are ever-so-slightly more tolerant of cold conditions. However, they still cannot survive months of below-freezing temperatures. These plants will sustain injury if left in the ground below 25°F (-4°C). 

Canna lilies will survive year-round in our warmest growing zones, although gardeners in zone 6 may want to add a healthy layer of mulch or provide other protection for these tropical plants. Gardeners in zones 5 and colder need to dig up canna rhizomes right after the first frost has zapped the foliage but before there has been a hard freeze. Dust the loose soil off of the rhizomes, and then set them aside in a dry location for about one week. Once cured, canna rhizomes can be stored in a cool, dark location until spring.

Colocasia

	botanical name Colocasia spp.
	height 1’-10’
	hardiness zones 8-12

Along with alocasia, colocasia are more commonly referred to as elephant ears. Known for their truly massive, shield-shaped leaves, colocasia are the epitome of lush, tropical garden vibes. Their bold, colorful foliage works beautifully in containers, mass plantings, and borders. Colocasia are native to southern Asia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Most colocasia are only winter hardy to zone 8. A healthy layer of mulch around the tubers will help protect the roots throughout the chillier months. However, these are tropical plants that like hot, humid conditions – gardeners colder than zone 8 will need to dig up the bulbs and bring them inside after the first hard frost. Shake the excess soil off the bulbs and store them in a cool, dark location until they can be potted up indoors in mid-spring.

Dahlia

	botanical name Dahlia spp.
	height 1-6’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Dahlias are some of the most spectacular tender tubers a gardener can grow, and their popularity as a cut flower has exploded in recent years. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, with a seemingly endless combination of flower shape, color, and size. These plants are native to Mexico and areas of Central America, and therefore, will not survive a long, freezing winter.

Gardeners in zones 7 and colder should dig up dahlia tubers after the first hard frost has killed the foliage. Store dahlia tubers in a cool, dark location, ideally between 40 and 50°F (4-10°C). A garage, shed, or basement is usually ideal. Storing your dahlia tubers requires striking a balance in moisture. Some humidity is needed to keep the tubers hydrated, but too much can trigger mold and rot.

Gardeners in zones 9 and warmer can leave their dahlia tubers in the ground year-round. Zone 8 gardeners? They should consider their local climate and soil conditions. If you have wet winter weather and only moderately drained soil, dig up the dahlias – the risk of rot is too high.

Freesia

	botanical name Freesia spp.
	height 1’-2’
	hardiness zones 9-10

An elegant flower known for its intoxicating fragrance, freesia is another tender bulb that’s popular with cut flower lovers. Freesia are native to eastern and southern Africa, where they actually go dormant during the hottest months. These multicolored beauties flower best in mild climates where temperatures stay under 70°F (21°C).

While freesia prefers cool, temperate weather to bloom, it will not survive a long winter of below-freezing temperatures. Gardeners in zone 8 and colder will need to dig up and store the corms.

Dig up freesia corms after the foliage has begun to yellow and fade, but before the first hard frost. Clean off any residual soil from the corms, then move them to a warm, slightly humid environment for 2-3 months. This will mimic the dormant period in their native environment. Afterwards, store freesia corms in a cool location until you are ready to plant again.

Gladiolus

	botanical name Gladiolus spp.
	height 1’-6’
	hardiness zones 7-10

Gladiolus, fondly known as “glads” to many gardeners, are prized for their impressive spear-like stems and leaves. Native to parts of Africa and Madagascar, these striking plants are loaded with tall flower spikes in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and yellow.

There are roughly 180 different species of glads. Most are cold hardy down to zone 7, however there are some hybrids that are hardy down to zone 5 when mulched thoroughly.

Dig gladiolus corms up either after the foliage has yellowed and faded, or wait until just after the first light frost. Healthy gladiolus should be left standing in the soil for as long as possible, to give the corms ample time to develop and store energy for next season’s blooms. Lay the corms out in a light, airy location to cure for two weeks. Store corms in a cool location with plenty of good air circulation.

Oxalis

	botanical name Oxalis triangularis
	height 0.5’-2’
	hardiness zones 8-11

Also known as purple shamrock, false shamrock, or purple wood sorrel, Oxalis triangularis is beloved for its vibrant, dark purple leaves. This plant is not a true shamrock, but rather a type of wood sorrel native to South America. It is frequently grown as an indoor houseplant, however, it is occasionally used in dry, shady garden beds and borders.

Oxalis is not cold-hardy and can only be left outdoors in the warmest growing zones. In the early fall, gardeners can dig up entire plants, place them in a container, and move them indoors.

If bulbs are going to be stored for the winter, wait until a hard frost kills the upper foliage in mid to late fall. Dig the bulbs up and bring them indoors. Store oxalis bulbs in paper bags filled with peat moss or wood shavings, and place the bags in a cool, dark location that remains 40-50°F (4-10°C).

Ranunculus

	botanical name Ranunculus spp.
	height 0.5’-2’
	hardiness zones 8-10

With their layers of delicate petals in candy-like hues of pink, coral, peach, orange, and yellow, ranunculus resemble little roses. These cool-season flowers are a bit picky when it comes to temperature. They perform poorly if it’s hotter than 70°F (21°C) for long. At the same time, they are not cold-hardy and they will not survive extended periods below freezing. Ranunculus are really only winter-hardy in zones 8 and warmer.

Gardeners in zones 3-7 should dig ranunculus corms once the heat of the summer has passed and fall has set in. The foliage will start to yellow and thin out. Store corms in a cool, dry, dark location that remains 50-55°F (10-13°C). 

Tuberous Begonia

	botanical name Begonia x tuberhybrida
	height 0.5’-1.5’
	hardiness zones 9-11

Shade-loving, colorful tuberous begonias are wonderful additions to outdoor planters, hanging baskets, and garden borders. As natives to the tropics of South America and parts of Africa, tuberous begonias do not survive cold, freezing temperatures. Gardeners in the absolute warmest climates can leave the tubers in the ground, but gardeners in zone 9 and colder should dig up and store the tubers.

Tuberous begonias naturally enter a dormant period in late fall. They’ll stop flowering and producing leaves and slowly start to send energy to the tubers and roots.

Dig begonia tubers when the foliage starts to yellow, or after the first light frost. Set the begonia tubers in a cool, dry place for two weeks for curing. Once the tubers have had a chance to dry out a bit, store them in individual paper bags, which ensures plenty of airflow, at 40-50°F (4-10°C).

Key Takeaways

Fall is a time for many plants, animals—and yes, even gardeners—to turn inward, go dormant, and begin a period of rest. This is especially true for our tropical tubers, most of which cannot survive extended periods of below-freezing temperatures. By taking the time to dig up and bring in your tender bulbs this November, you’ll be setting yourself up for loads of beautiful blooms next spring.