The Best Time to Plant Tulip Bulbs

Although tulips are spring flowers, their bulbs survive underground all year.

Tulips are among the first flowers of spring, appearing in many areas while snow remains on the ground. Even though tulip bulbs can survive underground throughout the year, they must be planted at specific times.

Fall

Tulips are spring flowers, but they require a fall planting if they are to grow outside. A fall planting gives the bulbs time to grow and take root before their spring blooming. Tulips require the cold of winter for their blooms to set.

Frost

According to the website TipNut, the best time for planting tulips outdoors is September to December---ideally before the first frost---to take advantage of stored warmth in the soil.

Storing Bulbs

Although gardeners may plant tulips throughout the year, a fall planting is best. Gardeners who need to store tulip bulbs until the fall planting should do so in loose, dry soil. Boxes and bags are ideal for tulip bulbs. The containers may be placed in a refrigerator or a cool, dark environment such as a garage.

References

• BackyardGardener.com: Garden Guides on Tulips
• TipNut: How to Plant Tulips for Beautiful Spring Bulbs