If you're like me, you didn't get your tulip bulbs that you bought from our fundraiser in the ground before winter arrived. In that case, here are some instructions for what to do with them. You can either pot them inside and enjoy them through the spring, or get them started in pots and then transplant them to the ground later and still have tulips in your yard. Either way, here goes...let me know if you have any questions.
You can either grow your tulips completely in pots inside. Then, it is likely they will only last for this year. Or, as soon as the ground is unfrozen, you transplant the partially grown bulbs to the ground and then hopefully they'll get enough roots to come back again in the upcoming years. In that case, you still need to start this process right away, then just transplant them to the ground sometime before they start to bloom.
Container planting
- Open the packaging to permit air circulation and place the bulbs out of direct sunlight in a cool (34-60°F) place. We recommend the fridge in warm climates. Store the bulbs cold till you plant them.
Find a container or pot
- Use clean pots with drainage holes and/or add some little rocks or gravel on the bottom to ensure good drainage.
Plant the tulips
- Add a few inches of potting soil in the container, plant the bulbs point up. You can plant 8 bulbs in a 6” pot and 5 bulbs in a 4” pot. When you plant press the bulb with the flat side in the potting soil. Add an other layer of 2 inch potting soil and water the pot. Don’t add any fertilizer
Cold Period and rooting
- After planting, the pot needs to be stored cold at least 6 weeks to grow healthy roots. Place the container in a cold area where it is between 32 and 50 degrees (the fridge works if you don't have a basement or garage that stays in this temperature range).
Grow your flowers!
- After 6 weeks, move your tulips to a warmer spot (room temp.) with enough light. The tulips will flower in 2-4 weeks depending on the temperature.
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