Garden World’s Guide to Gardening - Tips on Tulips

September 28th, 2024

Tulips are classic bulbs that fill gardens with color and are one of our best-sellers at Garden World! If you are considering adding tulips to your garden, now is the time! Plant these bulbs now for gorgeous blooms in the spring!

Here are some tips to help you take on the planting process!

When Should Tulips be Planted?

Plant tulip bulbs in fall when temperatures have cooled! Late-September to mid-October is the best time for planting tulips. The ideal time to plant tulips is when temperatures are steadily in the 60’s or lower. By planting in the fall, tulips will get the required amount of cold needed during the winter months.

Location.

Tulips need some sun to bloom. You should plant them in an area that receives full to part sun. However, if you are planting them under a tree that will be fine as well, as the tulips will bloom before the trees do in the spring. 

Healthy Tulips Begin with Healthy Soil.

Once you have selected the locations you are going to plant your tulips you will want to check the soil condition in that area. Tulips are easy to grow as long as they have the correct temperatures and soil that drains well. 

How to Plant Tulips.

When the time and temperatures are right and you are ready to start planting, follow a few simple guidelines for planting. First, be sure the pointed end of the bulb is facing up towards the sky. For best results and to encourage your tulips to return each year plant tulips at least 6-8″ deep. When planting you can dig a hole for each tulip and plant individually, spacing each bulb 4-6″ from the next one.

Caring for Tulips.

Tulips are generally carefree, but there are a few things you can do to have healthy, happy tulips! In spring when the green foliage first begins to come up, fertilize with a bulb food, such as Espoma Bulb Tone or Espoma Bone Meal.

Tulips bloom for 1-2 weeks depending on the weather. When the tulips are done blooming remove the flower stems. However, you will want to keep the leaves intact until they are withered and yellow and you can easily remove the foliage from the earth. By keeping the leaves until this point you are helping to encourage new blooms for the following season. Keeping the leaves allows the bulb to gather energy from the sun for the blooms next year.

We are fully stocked on tulip bulbs in countless varieties as well as bulb food! 

Come visit us today to pick up your fall bulbs!