Planting Tulips
Step by step instructions.
Step 1.
When to plant
Plant your tulips bulbs in the fall when the soil temperature is below 60 degrees F. We like to say; When it’s time to wear something warmer during the day, it's time to plant your flower bulbs!
This is usually in September and October in the Northern states and October and November in the Southern states.
Zones 4 & 5 - September or early October
Zones 6 & 7 - October to early November
Zones 8 & 9 - November to early December
Zone 10 - Late December to early January
Check what planting zone you are in: Planting Zone
Step 2.
Storing tulip bulbs
Bulbs need to breath the air just like we do, that is why we recommend unpacking flower bulbs as soon as possible. When you receive your flower bulbs and you are not ready to plant yet, have no worries. Store the bulbs in a dry place with plenty of air circulation. You can store your bulbs for quite a long period of time. Just make sure to plant the tulip bulbs before the ground freezes. The ideal temperatures are 40-70 degrees.
Bulbs should not be stored with the fruits. Fruit produces ethylene gas, which destroys the flower bud within the bulb. Place them in a paper bag away from ripening fruits.
Step 3.
When and how to plant
Plant the tulip bulbs in the fall, using a good mix of soil and compost. Don't plant the bulbs too early, or they might come up before the weather gets cold and die as soon as the frosts come.
The bulbs should be placed 6 inches deep in the soil. Do not forget to water the bulbs thoroughly at planting. The planting space should receive plenty of sunlight in well-prepared soil with fast drainage, which is essential for the proper growth. Avoid planting where water collects, or in locations that are prone to late frosts.
All done? Sit back, enjoy, let nature do what it does best!
Step 4.
How to care for tulips in the Spring
Once you see the first tulip buds growing from the soil just water them a little when there is no rain for a period of 3-5 days. Keep doing this the whole growing season but make sure to not overwater the soil.
Step 5.
What to do after blooming
After flowering pick cut the stem off as soon as flowering is done but don't cut the foliage until they are totally yellowish/purple. After you cut the leaves, stop watering so that the bulb can rest.
Most tulips are annuals and not perennials. There is a big chance the will come back for a year but it all depends on the growing conditions.
