Tulips are among the world’s most popular flowers. Growing tulips is easy and connects gardeners to a rich floriculture tradition. Tulips originated in central Asia, took Europe by storm, and spread to the New World in early colonial times.
In this beginner’s guide to growing tulips, we’ll briefly review taxonomy and classifications. Then, we’ll cover where, when, and how to plant these classic spring bloomers.
Types of Tulips
A tulip is a perennial, bulbiferous flower (grows from bulb) in the Tulipa genus. According to the National Trust of the United Kingdom, there are 120 known tulip species. There are thousands of registered varieties, offering an endless selection of hues and shapes for you to choose from when growing tulips.
Most popular tulip varieties are hybrids, identified as “Tulipa hybrid” or “Tulipa x” (the use of an “x” indicates a cross between two different plants to create a hybrid). There are also “species tulips,” which are the original species that hybrids descend from. Species tulips are recognizable by their two-part scientific names, such as Tulipa orphanidea.
Tulip varieties are classified into 15 groups. When you purchase a tulip bulb, the catalog or packaging often notes which group the variety belongs to. Some group names, such as “Single Early,” indicate flowers with a single set of petals. Others, like “Double Early” and “Double Late,” have extra petals. The “early” and “late” in these names refer to bloom times, which is another important classification factor for tulips.
Tulips bloom at different points in mid and late spring. Varieties are referred to as early bloomers, mid-season bloomers, and late bloomers. By planting varieties from all three groups, a garden’s tulip blooming period can last for around six weeks.
Where to Plant Tulips: Hardiness Zones and Growing Conditions
Like other bulb flowers, tulips require cold temperatures in winter to properly time their rest/bloom growth cycle. Tulips grow best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4–8.
Tulips can grow in slightly cooler (zone 3) or warmer (zone 9) climates, with proper care. Frost protection, such as mulch or a cold frame, is helpful in cold climates. In warm regions where winter soil temperatures don’t go below 60 degrees, you can purchase pre-cooled bulbs.
In cooler northern regions (zones 3–6), plant tulips in full sun. In warmer zones (7–9), plant in partial sun to avoid overheating.
When to Plant Tulips
Plant tulip bulbs in autumn, when the soil has cooled down from its summer peak temperatures. The ideal month for putting bulbs in the ground is usually September in zones 3–5, October in zones 6–7, and November in zone 8. In very warm climates, plant pre-cooled bulbs in December.
Tulip shoots emerge from the ground in late winter or early spring and typically bloom between early April and mid-May.
How to Plant Tulips
Plant tulips in well-draining, fertile soil. Plant bulbs eight inches (20 cm) deep, or around three times the length of the bulb. Spread bulbs four to six inches (10–15 cm) apart. When preparing the hole, dig deeper than the planting depth to loosen the soil and improve drainage.
When growing tulips, you’ll want to plant bulbs with the pointy end pointing up. Cover the bulbs in soil, press down on the surface, then water the area.
Caring for Tulips
After planting tulips, water once per week for one month, then stop watering until springtime. Resume watering once the shoots emerge from the soil. Note that overwatering and soggy soil are fatal for successfully growing tulips. After the blooming season ends, tulips enter summer dormancy and don’t require watering.
Fertilizer promotes blooms. The Chicago Botanic Garden recommends adding a few inches of organic compost and a 10-10-10 or 10-15-10 fertilizer after planting. Then, apply the same fertilizer again in spring when shoots appear.
Deadhead tulip flowers as they fade. This encourages the plant to devote energy toward sustaining the bulb, rather than producing seeds. However, don’t remove foliage until it’s died and browned. Then, snip it off.
In the right conditions, tulips will return year after year. However, in many areas, tulips grow well as annuals but not as perennials.
Tulips and Pests
Squirrels, voles, and mice are known to dig up and eat tulip bulbs. Rodent protection options for bulbs include:
- Plant tulip bulbs with other bulbs that pests don’t eat (daffodils, alliums, and fritillaria).
- Sprinkle small gravel or crushed shells in the planting hole.
- Plant bulbs inside a hardware cloth cage.
When tulip shoots emerge, rabbits and deer may target the foliage. The simplest defense is applying repellent spray around the plants. More intensive defenses include fencing or “wireless deer fencing” posts that provide a slight electric shock without harming the animal.
Grow a Colorful Spring Bulb Garden
For any gardener interested in growing spring-blooming bulb flowers, tulips are a worthy first choice. To discover more about other bulbs to plant in the fall and enjoy in the spring, see our article all about Spring Flowering Bulbs.
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