What to Do with Tulip Bulbs After Flowering

Blooming tulips announce the arrival of spring.

Tulips are a sure sign of spring when they are blooming. Handling them properly at the end of their bloom cycle is integral to the success of the blooms for the next year.

The End of the Bloom Cycle

When the petals fall off the tulip greens, the bloom cycle has ended. At this time, cut the stem, but leave the greens. Do nothing with the bulb.

Allow the Leaves to Die Back

The leaves of the tulip plant should be left on the plant until they die back naturally. The bulb soaks up all its nutrients for the next year through the greens. Do not cut them back when they are still green or you risk losing the bulb.

When to Cut

Plant tulip bulbs in the fall.

After the leaves turn brown and die back all the way, then you can cut them off. Leave the bulb in the ground for its rest period. If your tulip bulbs are in pots, you can leave them in the pot and store the pot in a cold area for the winter. If you have to move the bulbs, remove them from the soil after everything has died back, then store them in a cold dry place. Put them back in the ground in the Autumn.

References

• International Flower Bulb Centre

Resources

• John Scheepers: Beauty From Bulbs
• Keukenhof Holland