Find out how to plant tulips in spring so theyll still bloom for you.
Without vernalization, your tulips will grow but not likely bloom.
Youll get a vegetative tulip this yearall foliage and no flowers.
Credit:Nathan Kirkman
However, they will likely bloom the next year after they have a chance to vernalize over the winter.
Gardeners in locations without cold winters need to buy chilled bulbs or chill them in the refrigerator.
Tips for Planting Tulips in the Spring
So, can youplant tulipsin the spring?
The quick answer is that it depends.
All is not lost if you miss the fall planting window.
Dont abandon those bulbs, especially if you spent serious cash ondesigner tulips.
Here are a few things to try.
If thats you, get out there and get those bulbs in the soilthe earlier, the better.
While this is more of awinter plantingthan a springtime activity, it may yield a few blooms.
Take advantage of a midwinter thaw to get those tulips in the ground.
Buy Pre-Chilled Bulbs
Search for pre-chilled tulip bulbs online, and youll find plenty of selections.
If you dont already have bulbs sitting around, this is the way to go.
Once they arrive, plant them immediately or store them in a coolbut not freezinglocation until ready to plant.
These bulbs are often sold as ready for forcing, but theyll work fine if planted outdoors instead.
Dont chill bulbs in the same refrigerator as your fruit and vegetables.
Many fruits and vegetables give off ethylene gas as they ripen, which can damage tulip bulbs.
An unheated garage that remains above freezing but below 45F can also work.
This is a great way to take advantage of clearance bulbs on sale in spring at deep discounts.
Go ahead and grab that sale bag and plant the bulbs in the ground for next year.
If you wanttulips that return reliably year after year, look forspecies tulipsrather than hybrid varieties.
Species tulips may be less showy, but they tend to last longer.
You still need to buy pre-chilled bulbs, which you plant in containers.
Remove the dry foliage and store the bulbs in a dark, dry place for the summer.
Plant them in the fall for beautiful spring blooms.
However, tulip bulbs can be planted as much as 10 inches deep in very cold areas.
Just about every tulip bulb has a pointy end; plant the bulb with that end up.
