How far back should I cut my elephant ears for winter storage ?

Question

I live in missouri (not sure what zone that is?) when should I dig up my elephant ears, and how far back should I cut them for winter storage? Is an unheated garage ok for storage or should I put them in my heated basement?

Answer 1

After the first frost, the leaves will turn brown. Cut the leaves off about 1 inch from the surface of the ground. Carefully dig the bulb from the ground, and remove all lose dirt from the bulb. Store the bulb in the basement, letting the bulb dry out completely. If it doesn't dry out, it could become moldy and die. In the spring, when the threat of freezing temperatures has passed, replant the bulb for another summer of tropical foliage.

Answer 2

Try to wait until the leaves have turned brown. Then you can dig them up an trim back the stems to an inch or so. Store in cool, dry place for the winter. If they seem to be drying out too much, give them an occasional misting with water. They will still need adequate air circluation so they won't rot.

Answer 3

Cut them back to approximately 1 inch above ground - I would keep them in the basement - they are usually hardy to about 40 degrees, so the unheated garage will be too cold.

Answer 4

let them die off naturally first. then before the first freeze, cut back to about 2" from the bulb. dig them up and store them in a cool dry place (this should not get below 40 degrees). If you have an outdoor refrigerator, that would work just fine. Otherwise, bring them inside and store them in a closet.

do not wrap them in foil or saran wrap as they may mold. I usually put mine in an old shoe box

good luck

Answer 5

elephant ears grow from a bulb, and they are tropical. So, keep them from freezing at all! Cut them back to about an inch from the top of the bulb before storing them.

Answer 6

I live in Tennessee, and I don't dig mine up, after the leaves die off cut them back to about two inches and put about five inches of mulch on them, in the spring spread out the mulch and it will start growing againmy neighbor covers hers after trimming with one of the foam rose bush covers.

Answer 7

I cut mine back down to the bulb after I dig them up.(I live in missouri to)

Answer 8

Cut them so they are just below your hairline. If I had elephant ears, I would grow my hair to cover them

Answer 9

i'm not sure how cold it gets in your winter but i'd cut them to the base ( and certainly not worry about digging them up ) and they should sprout again next season