The best time to transplant bulbs is after they die back for the year, while they are dormant. However, if necessary you can transplant them after they sprout. If the roots are damaged, the bulb can die, so dig far enough around the bulb to protect the roots. Also protect the tender shoots; if they break off, the bulb will die.
After bulbs bloom, the foliage turns yellow and dies back. The roots also die back under the soil and the bulb becomes dormant until weather conditions are right to grow again. This is the best time to transplant bulbs, as you can dig them up without damaging the delicate roots. It also prevents breaking off the leaves the plant needs to produce food and store energy for the next year’s growth while you are handling the plant.
If it is not possible to wait until the bulb is dormant before transplanting, you need to take extreme care to protect the growing parts of the bulb. The roots of the bulb will grow several inches around and below the base of the bulb. Begin by digging at least 4 inches around the bulb in all directions to avoid damaging the roots. Gently lift the soil and the bulb from the bottom with a shovel. If the bulbs are clumped together, you will need to transplant the entire clump together. The roots of the bulbs will be entwined; trying to separate them will damage the roots and kill the bulbs.
Prepare the area into which you will transplant the bulbs by digging a hole the same depth and a little wider than the soil you remove them from. Carefully carry the removed section of soil to the new location, preferably on the shovel used to remove it. The young shoots are vulnerable while being moved. Leaves and stems are being formed inside the bulb while it is dormant; if they are damaged, the bulb will be unable to replace them and will die.
Place the removed soil and bulbs into the prepared hole. Fill in any gaps around the edges with soil. Water the sprouted bulbs immediately to help prevent transplant shock. A light application of fertilizer may also help the bulbs survive the move. Don’t be surprised if the bulb does not survive transplanting, however. Digging up the bulb can cause the soil to shift and move, even if it looks stable. This shifting can cause serious damage to the roots, killing the bulb.
- Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images