You could do so but it may be easier and less taxing on the bulbs as they begin to emerge to pot them up and sink the pots in the holding bed for winter storage. You do run the risk of unnecessarily disturbing the bulbs during the transplanting process and that can cause them to sulk and abort bloom. This is far less of a risk when the bulbs have been potted and the entire rootball can be transferred easily. Many growers now offer bulbs for sale in this manner each spring......for those who neglected to plant in fall or for those who desire instant gratification :-)

gardengal - I'm confused: Maybe I didn't word this right - Okay, here goes again:

I buy the bulbs in November, and I plant the bulbs in the holding bed... then when Feb/March comes, they emerge and I move them to where I want them permanently. Is that much clearer? Thanks

PS - your answer may be the same, but it confused me when you said: "as they begin to emerge to pot them up and sink the pots in the holding bed for winter storage."

Sorry, I understood your question perfectly but didn't answer equally as clearly. What I meant was to pot them up now as bulbs and sink the pots into the storage bed. This method tends to be less taxing on the plants than attempting to move them intact and without damage in spring, when they begin to emerge.

Hope that's less confusing :-)

Thanks so much - I kind of thought that's what you meant, but glad you repeated the directions. Sounds like a terrific idea - may try that - thanks so much :0)

Carrie