| When to Plant: | |
| Fall |
| Blooms: | |
| Early to Late Spring |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| Varies by type. Ranges from 4-30". | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 3-7. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 3-5" or 3 times bulb height |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 3-5" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Bulb |
Tulips are a must for every garden because they are sturdy, tall and bright and may bloom for several springs in a row. Generally upward-facing blooms appear on short to tall stems, depending on the variety. Foliage color ranges from green to gray-green to variegated lance-shaped leaves.
There are over 15 divisions by which tulips are grouped, each having their own distinct qualities. Here are just a few of our favorites.
SINGLE EARLY tulips are the oldest tulips in cultivation. Known for their strong stems, these early bloomers are available in many different colors, both jewel tones and pastels. Blooms early spring.
DOUBLE EARLY tulips all have more than 6 petals with some having so many petals that they resemble peonies. Double early tulips have very strong, sturdy stems with long lasting blooms. Blooms early spring.
FOSTERIANA tulips are commonly known as Emperor tulips. These mid-height tulips have strong stems and immense petals. Blooms early spring.
GREIGII tulips are fairly short but have extremely large blooms in proportion to the whole plant. Leaves are usually patterned with stripes or spots in purple or brown. Blooms early spring.
SPECIES TULIPS are fairly short, making them ideal for rock gardens and containers. Most tulips in this class grow wild, and therefore naturalize extremely well. Blooms early to mid spring.
TRIUMPH tulips have strong stems and are available in every possible shade of color, from jewel tones to pastels to multicolor. Triumph tulips have the traditional tulip shape that is prized by gardeners. Blooms mid spring.
DARWIN HYBRID tulips are known for the huge size of their brilliantly colored blooms. They are the best type of tulip for cut flowers because of their strong stems and beautifully shaped blooms. Blooms mid spring.
LILY FLOWERING tulips are known for their unique shape making them a must have for any garden. Long, pointed petals are flexed to create the lily shape. Best planted in sheltered areas. Blooms mid to late spring.
SINGLE LATE tulips are late bloomers and are some of the most popular. They come in a wide range of colors and are some of the tallest tulips available. Blooms late spring.
VIRIDIFLORA tulips have a streak of green on each petal that creates a unique, dramatic contrast. Exceptionally long flowering capability. Blooms late spring.
DOUBLE LATE tulips produce flowers that are sensitive to severe rain and wind and should be planted in protected areas. Grows best in rock gardens, beds, borders and indoor forcing. Blooms late spring.
FRINGED tulips have petals that are topped with fringe that looks like frayed edges of satin. Good for cut flowers, beds and borders. Blooms late spring.
PARROT tulips are known for their curled, feathered and twisted petals. Large and brightly colored flowers make a dramatic statement in the garden. Excellent for cut flowers. Blooms late spring.
Plant in the fall, before the first frost hardens the soil. Dig a hole to the required depth. Place bulb in hole, pointed side up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.
For container planting, bury the bulb three times as deep as the bulb is wide. In zones 6 and below, you will need to protect your bulb containers. Place them near the foundation of the house or other structure. In zones 3-5, place the container in an unheated garage or shed.
After blooming, leave the bulbs in place so plants can clump or reseed. Divide only when containers or planting spaces become too crowded. Propagate in the fall by division after they have been chilled for four weeks in a moist medium.
Refer to the USDA Planting Zone Map to find your zone.
Plant in loose, crumbly, well-drained soil for best results. Bulbs will rot in overly moist areas. To plant lots of tulips in the garden at one time, dig out an area in a sunny location 5-7". Place bulbs pointy side up and cover with soil.
Tulips can be planted later in the fall than most of the other flower bulbs. Plant in containers combined with multiple tulip varieties or other spring blooming flower bulbs for an easy burst of color for your outdoor spaces in spring.
