Do I Need To Bring My Elephant Ear Bulbs Indoors…
Donnie Asked
Do I need to bring my elephant ear bulbs indoors for the winter? It has been really great this year and I don’t want to lose it.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Donnie: Here in Kentucky, we have to bring our elephant ears inside to protect them from our winter weather. They are very easy to over-winter and well worth the effort. Elephant ears can be stored indoors during the winter months and then planted back in the garden or in a container next spring. Before or just after the first hard freeze, cut back the foliage of your bulb and dig it up from the soil, being careful not to damage the actual bulb. Shake off any excess soil and place it in a paper bag for storage. Wear gloves when you dig up your plant because the tuber/roots can cause skin irritation for some gardeners. If the bulb or roots have any moisture to them, lay them out to dry before storing them. They should be kept in a cool, dark space such as a closet or a dry basement. These tuberous bulbs should not be exposed to freezing temperatures or moisture during this time. They can be planted again directly outdoors after May 10 to enjoy for another season.
