First, you must understand that I am not a true bulb, but a corm—a swollen, solid stem base designed to store energy. My life cycle is programmed for a warm, dry summer dormancy. When temperatures drop and daylight fades in autumn, the foliage you see above ground will yellow and wither. This is my signal that it is time to retreat and conserve my resources. Do not see this as death or failure; it is a necessary and natural part of my rhythm. I am preparing for my long sleep, and my survival depends on you allowing this process to complete. The energy from the dying leaves is being pulled back into my corm, nourishing me for the next season.
Once the foliage has yellowed, gently lift me from the soil with a garden fork, taking care not to bruise or cut me. Brush off the loose soil, but do not wash me with water, as this can invite rot during storage. I must be thoroughly cured and dried. Please place me in a single layer in a warm, dry, and airy location with good ventilation, out of direct sunlight, for about one to three weeks. This process, called curing, allows my outer skin to toughen and any minor wounds to callous over, sealing my inner moisture and protecting me from fungal pathogens that would love to feast on me while I am vulnerable.
My storage requirements are very specific. After I am completely dry, please nestle me into a breathable medium such as dry peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings within a ventilated container like a paper bag, mesh bag, or a cardboard box with holes. The absolute key to my survival is the environment: I need a cool, dark, and dry place. The ideal temperature for my slumber is between 50-60°F (10-15°C). A basement, garage, or cool closet often provides these conditions. Crucially, the location must be frost-free and have low humidity. High humidity will cause me to mold or rot, while warm temperatures above 65°F (18°C) may trick me into breaking dormancy prematurely, depleting my precious energy stores.
Even in my dormant state, I am not entirely inert. Please visit me periodically throughout the winter, perhaps once a month. Check my condition by gently handling my corms. Look for any signs of shriveling (indicating excessive dryness) or soft spots, mold, or rot (indicating excessive moisture). If I feel a bit soft or show a small spot of rot, you may carefully cut the affected area away with a clean, sharp knife, dust the wound with a fungicide like sulfur powder, and allow it to dry again before returning me to storage. If my medium feels damp, replace it with fresh, dry material immediately to prevent further issues.
