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How to Transplant Flower Bulbs

March 21, 2016 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

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Is it possible to transplant flower bulbs from one location to another—even when they are flowering? Yes. You just need to be sure to follow these tips to avoid damaging the bulbs.

For a more tips also see  7 Best Beginner Tips for Planting Flower Bulbs.

Flowering bulbs

The Best Time to Transplant Bulbs

Grape hyacinth bulbs planted in an old lunch box with a watering can.

Whether you have flowering bulbs in the wrong location in your garden or have them growing in pots and want them elsewhere, you can successfully transplant them to a different location at just about any time in the growing season.

While there is always some risk to disturbing a happy plant, I’ve had good luck moving bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at all growth stages from dormant to budding and flowering.

Related: 20 Breathtaking Flower Bulbs to Plant in Fall

Sometimes I transplant store bought potted bulbs to better pots or plant them outdoors in the garden. I also dig up outdoor bulbs around bloom time in spring and bring them indoors to enjoy.

Flowering bulbs in pink pots in front of a window.

The important thing is to ensure the new location has optimal conditions for whatever type of bulb it is including the right soil, sun, water, and drainage.

While these tips are written for bulbs, it’s the same process for the whole gang including plants that grow from rhizomes, corms, tubers, and tuberous roots.  Some only grow nicely outdoors, but if you know the bulb (like tulips, amaryllis, paperwhites) tolerates life indoors, that’s an option too.



When to Transplant Bulbs

The best time to move bulbs is while they are dormant, long before or after flowering. But again, you can also try it while they are leafing, budding, or flowering too. Just keep those roots protected.

The one time I would be most reluctant is right after flowering: that’s when the leaves are working to re-energize the bulb for next time and any disruptions could impede this process.

But, as with many tasks, the best time to get things done is when you are available to get things done.

You will find the step-by-step instructions below.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

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How to Transplant Bulbs

Step-by-step instructions to successfully transplant bulbs from the ground or pots to a new growing location.
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 1 flowering bulb
Author: Melissa J. Will
Cost: $5

Supplies & Materials

  • 1 Flowering Bulbs

Equipment

Spading fork

Instructions

  • Prepare new planting location first ensuring conditions are optimal for the type of bulb.
  • To transplant in-ground bulbs, dig several inches around bulb area and and carefully remove from soil, much like harvesting potatoes.
    For potted bulbs, instead of digging, carefully tip everything out, mindful to leave the bulbs and roots as undisturbed as possible.
  • If the bulbs are clumped together, which can mean they are reproducing to create more bulbs, keep them as they are.
  • Plant bulbs in new location at same depth as their original location.
  • Water immediately.
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Hyacinth bulbs starting to bud.
How to Grow Bulbs Indoors For Flowers Any Time of Year
See More >>
Flowering bulbs
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Comments

  1. Melissa J. Will says

    October 25, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    Transplanting bulbs is as simple as carefully digging them up and moving them to another location with optimal growing conditions.

    Reply

Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will
a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt
(Ontario, Canada).
Join me as I share creative + frugal home & garden ideas with a dash of humor.
More: Contact/About
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