How long do bulbs last?

[sanzfrancisco]

I purchased some dahlia bulbs from Holland late last year. I expect them to arrive any day now. Unfortunately, because of all the rain and wind we've had here in California this winter, a very large loquat tree fell over in my yard. It is pretty much covering the area in which I would be planting the bulbs.
It seems that it will be some time before I can have the tree taken care of, so I am wondering if the bulbs are only good for this year, if I can plant them in June, or if I should give them away. I feel bummed out.
janice

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I would be looking to plant them in containers for a year and feeling glad that tree wasn't a bit closer to the building.

 

[sanzfrancisco]

Thanks for the response. And yes, I am grateful that the tree didn't hit anything structural.

 

[Toddz]

I recommend the same thing Oliver said. We are doing Dahlias in containers at my son's house. I'm in zone 5b and haven't received mine either but I'm not worried.

 

[sanzfrancisco]

Thanks so much for your response. Can to tell me how big the containers have to be to accommodate the plants?
janice

 

[Toddz]

Thanks so much for your response. Can to tell me how big the containers have to be to accommodate the plants?
janice

We are using 2 gallon

 

[Esther Knapicius]

What kind of Bulbs? oh, now I see, later you say what kind.