The planting window is broader than you might think.
Here, gardening experts offer insights to help you plan prime planting times for stunning spring tulip blooms.
Here are his recommendations:
Can You Plant Tulips in Spring?
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With spring planting, your tulipsmaybloom in late spring or may not flower until the following year.
Another option for spring planting is to plant potted tulips.
The best time to plant tulips is fall, says Laura Janney, CEO of the Inspired Garden.
But if you didnt have time then, you get a second chance in the spring.
Transplant them frompotted plantsfrom a nursery into the ground when temperatures are consistently around 55 degrees.
For cooler climates, you should aim to plant your bulbs in early fall.
In warmer regions, it’s possible for you to plant tulips as late as December or January.
In warmer zones, tulips act as annuals and the bulbs must be refrigerated before planting.
Tulips require well-draining soil and full to partial sun to bloom well, Harden says.
Avoid areas that stay soggy.
Waterlogged soil can cause tulip bulbs to rot.
Dig Deeply
When planting your bulbs, verify you dig deep enough.
Plant Different Varieties
To maximize your tulip bloom time, plant different varieties.
Plant bulbs that flower at different times so your tulip display lasts for weeks, Harden says.
Protect from Pests
Some animalssuch as squirrels and rabbitsdig up tulip bulbs to eat.
you’ve got the option to protect your plants with wire or fencing.
Lay chicken wire over new plantings, or dust a natural deterrent tokeep squirrels away, Harden says.
Your tulips will also need protection if you live in an area with deer.
Tulips are deer candy, Janney says.
So plant them in a fenced-in area if you have deer, or use deer spray.
Treat Tulips as Annuals
Although tulips are technicallyperennials, they often grow like annuals.
Many tulips wont come back, so people treat it as an annual, Janney says.
The Darwin variety is very reliable.
