Can Tulip Bulbs Be Planted in Early Spring?

Blooming tulips are one of the first indications of spring.

Tulips, known for their tall slender stem and large round blooms, are one of the first flowers of spring. Tulips are typically planted once soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the fall or winter, according to the National Gardening Association.

Facts

Tulips planted in the spring will not bloom, since bulbs require long periods of cold temperatures to bloom properly.

Considerations

Although bulbs may not be planted outside in the spring, the bulbs may be refrigerated and forced for indoor planting.

Time Frame

Tulips may take about 16 weeks to grow. Bulbs stored in the cold for longer will typically grow taller than those with shorter periods of cold.

Normal Instructions

Gardeners in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 and 5 typically plant tulip bulbs outside in September or October. Those in zones 6 and 7 should plant tulips between October and November. Plant bulbs in November or December if you are in hardiness zones 8 and 9. Although growing tulips in zone 10 is difficult, plant the bulbs in January after refrigerating for several weeks.

References

• National Gardening Association via Planting with Kids: Planting Tulips
• Savvy Gardener: Forcing Bulbs Indoors