Plan to plant the bulbs within a week after buying them. They shouldn’t stay above the ground for too long. [2] X Research source Don’t plant the bulbs too early, or they might come up before the weather gets cold and die as soon as the frosts come. They should lie dormant in the ground all winter and come up in the spring. If you forget to plant your bulbs in the fall, then you can also plant them in early spring. However, do not plant bulbs any sooner than mid-April since the weather will likely be too cold at this time.
Opt for perennial bulbs since these will bloom over several seasons. However, keep in mind that you will still need to replant your bulbs after a few years. [3] X Research source Choose bulbs that are firm to the touch with a light brown papery skin, almost like an onion skin. Avoid choosing bulbs that feel dry, flaky, or relatively light. If that’s the case, it’s probably lost its moisture content, and it may not grow properly. [4] X Expert Source Matt BowmanGardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Keep in mind that you can still try planting soft or shriveled bulbs. However, these bulbs may be rotten or dead, and may not sprout.
Tulips grow best in areas that are sunny or lightly shaded, and not excessively wet. Tulips come in many colors, so it’s easy to plant them in interesting patterns and shapes. You could alternate colors or plant a whole bed of multicolored tulips, for example. Design a tulip pattern that makes sense for your yard.
As you dig, clear away roots, rocks and other debris that could impede the growth of your tulips. You can sprinkle kitty litter, gravel, holly leaves, or thorny bush branches into the hole to deter mice and other rodents from occupying the hole. [6] X Research source If you are planting lots of tulip bulbs, then you can also use the trench method. To do this, dig a long trench to place the bulbs into instead of digging multiple small holes. Just make sure that you remember where you have already planted.
Keep in mind that the more tulips you plant, the more impressive your garden will be when they bloom in the spring. Plant at least 50 bulbs throughout your yard for a bright garden full of tulips. [7] X Research source Tulip bulbs are naturally perennials, meaning they can come back more than once. In most climates, though, the soil isn’t conducive to more than one year of growth, and the bulb only contains enough nutrients for it to bloom once. If you want the tulips to come back after the first year, place some plant food in the holes before closing them back up.
Don’t water the bulbs again unless it’s extremely dry outside. Unless the ground is very dry, there is no need to water the bulbs. Newly planted bulbs may rot if the soil becomes sodden and waterlogged. There should be enough rain through the autumn and winter to provide your bulbs with enough moisture.
