How to Plant Tulips

How to plant tulips. Tulip bulbs should be planted in late fall for blooms the following spring. Plant the tulip bulbs in full sun and well-draining soil. They should be planted 6-7 inches deep with the pointy side the bulb facing up. Bulbs should feel nice and firm to the touch. Discard any that are mushy or show signs of rot.

Spacing in between the bulbs is dependent on how you want the tulips to look in spring. For a full look, plant the bulbs 2-3 inches apart. For use in a cutting garden or container plant the bulbs egg carton style with the bulbs almost touching. For a more open feel where perennials or groundcover will be grown around and throughout the bulbs space them approx. 4 inches apart. Once the tulip bulbs are planted backfill the area with soil and water well if rain is not forecasted.

If digging animals are an issue cover the planting area with chicken wire and secure the perimeter with rocks. Leave the chicken wire in place all winter and remove it once green growth emerges in the spring. If deer or rabbits are in issue, consider growing your tulips in a fenced in area.

Tulips always look their best the first spring after planting. When soil and growing conditions are ideal, some tulips may bloom for more than one year. But in most cases, you will get smaller flowers and possibly no flowers at all. For the best results, simply remove the bulbs after they finish blooming and plant fresh ones each fall.