How To

How to Transplant Tulip Bulbs

Contributor
By Denise Schoonhoven
eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

It is easy to transplant tulip bulbs from one location to another in your garden. Enjoy a splash of springtime beauty with tulips right where you can see them in all of their glory. Follow these gardening steps to move your tulip bulbs to a new spot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Garden shovel
  • Garden gloves
  • Bulb fertilizer
  • Water
  • Squirrel repellent
  1. Step 1

    Dig a hole 6 inches deep and at least 12 inches square. Allow 4 square inches of width across the hole for each of the flower bulbs. Make sure the bottom of the hole is flat and even, and pile all the dirt you dig out next to the hole.

  2. Step 2

    Go to where the tulip plants are currently growing. Push the garden shovel deeply into the dirt 3 or 4 inches away from the plants. Rock the shovel back and forth as you lift the clump of dirt and bulbs. Tip the dirt clump to the side. Wear garden gloves to pull the dirt apart with your hands and remove any bulbs.

  3. Step 3

    Push the shovel into the dirt on another side of the location where the existing tulip plants are situated. Lift the next clump of dirt and bulbs with a rocking motion. Continue digging and separating bulbs from clumps of dirt until all the flower bulbs are found.

  4. Step 4

    Examine the bulbs for rot or pest damage. Discard shriveled or damaged tulip bulbs.

  5. Step 5

    Place the remaining bulbs in the new hole. Place the rounded end of the bulb where the roots come out down. The pointed tip of the bulb goes straight up. Leave at least 4 inches of space between the bulbs.

  6. Step 6

    Sprinkle bulb fertilizer on the dirt in the bottom of the hole. Wear garden gloves to spread the fertilizer evenly around the flower bulbs.

  7. Step 7

    Grab handfuls of dirt from the pile you placed next to the hole. Place the dirt around the bulbs until they are half covered. Shovel the rest of the dirt into the hole. When it is completely full, pat it down with the back of the shovel.

  8. Step 8

    Water the new bed of flower bulbs until the soil is moist but not soggy.

  9. Step 9

    Spray the top of the flower bed with a squirrel repellent purchased from your garden supply store.

Tips & Warnings
  • Tulip plants should be completely brown and wilted before you transplant them to another place in the garden. Tulip bulbs get their growing energy for next season from the leaves and stem.
  • Autumn is the best time to transplant spring blooming flower bulbs.
  • Squirrels love to eat tulip bulbs. Protect your flower bulbs with squirrel repellent to ensure healthy beautiful tulip plants in the spring.

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