Keep spring bulbs cool and dry, around 40°F.

Around 35–45°F (2–7°C) is ideal, and you can store them for a few months—maybe up to six if you do it right.

Warmer than that and they start sprouting or rotting. Colder and they freeze. A refrigerator crisper drawer works great if your garage or basement isn’t cool enough. Just keep them away from fruit—ethylene gas from apples and pears can kill the flower buds.

Airflow matters, too. Paper bags or mesh sacks are better than sealed plastic. Check every couple weeks and toss any that get soft or moldy.

Store them right and you buy time. Store them wrong and you buy disappointment.