How To Store Tulip Bulbs Before And After Planting
Native to Central Asia, Eastern Anatolia, and the Mediterranean and now popular all over the world, Tulips are beautiful flowers that add a vibrant color to any garden or container. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors to suit any landscape. For example, red Tulips, ‘black’ Tulips, and even tall Tulips. Do you want to know how to store Tulip bulbs before and after planting? Look no further because we explain it to you in this article.
How To Store Tulip Bulbs Before Planting
When your DutchGrown package arrives, and you can’t plant the bulbs immediately, you must store them properly. But how do you store Tulip bulbs before you plant them? It's quite simple. Unpack the bulbs immediately and place them in a dry place with plenty of air circulation. The temperature needs to be between 40-70ºF (4-20°C). A place like a basement or garage is perfect for storing Tulip bulbs.
Fun fact: ‘Tulip’ comes from the Latin word ‘Tulipa’: the flower resembling a turban.
How Long Can I Store Tulip Bulbs
Tulip bulbs should be planted within 6 weeks of delivery. Storing them for longer periods can reduce their viability. The latest you can plant tulip bulbs is January in warmer climates. After digging them up, shake off excess soil and allow them to dry thoroughly before placing them in a net or paper bag. Store them in a cool, dark place, and avoid plastic bags or overcrowding. Bulbs should feel firm and plump when checked for viability; discard any that are soft or wilted before planting.
Learn more: How to Grow Tulips
How To Store Tulip Bulbs After Flowering
Many gardeners treat Tulips as annuals, discarding the bulbs after flowering, especially in warmer climates. But in the wild, Tulips are perennials, which means they bloom year after year. The bulbs can thrive in harsh environments such as the mountains of Iran, Russia, and Turkey.
Garden
Unfortunately, our gardens rarely provide the harsh and often dry conditions they prefer. They only return when the weather conditions are perfect: a cold climate with little rain. So, the best thing to do is to dig up the old Tulip bulbs after they have flowered and plant fresh bulbs for a good display next season.
Container
The same applies to potted Tulips in a container. Tulip bulbs planted in pots and containers are subjected to more stress than those grown in the garden and are unlikely to flower again. It's best to discard the bulbs after they've finished flowering and plant new ones for the next season.
Read more: Do Tulips Come Back Every Year
How To Save Tulip Bulbs For Next Year
If you want to save Tulip bulbs for next season, consider planting Darwin Tulip bulbs. These tall, elegant Tulips produce large, vibrant flowers and are renowned for their ability to return year after year. Follow the steps below, and with some luck, your Tulips will reward you by blooming again next season.
- Keep your Tulips dry, as too much water will cause the bulbs to rot, leaving them unable to perennialise.
- Tulips thrive in a harsh environment. So plant your Tulip bulbs in full sun to increase the chances of them returning year after year.
- Once the Tulips have finished blooming and started to wither, cut the dead heads from the Tulips. The plant will preserve the energy it needs during cold winters.
Read more: Darwin Hybrid Tulips
Discover Different Tulips At DutchGrown
Now, you know everything about how to store Tulip bulbs before and after planting. Are you looking for stunning new bulbs to plant next growing season? Discover the Tulip bulb collection at DutchGrown, the best place to buy Tulip bulbs. We offer a wide range of different varieties, and we have carefully selected them to provide you with the best top-size bulbs available, guaranteeing optimal performance. We ship the bulbs from Holland to all over the US.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Tulip Bulbs
How To Store Tulip Bulbs
Before planting bulbs, store them in a dry spot with plenty of air circulation. The temperature needs to be between 40-70ºF (4-20°C). You can store Tulip bulbs for up to 6 months with proper care. After flowering, keep the bulbs dry, plant your Tulip bulbs in a sunny area, and cut off the dead heads.
How To Store Tulip Bulbs For Next Year
Tulip bulbs are difficult to flower the next season, so they are best treated as annual bulbs. However, if you want to try it, keep your bulbs dry and plant your Tulip bulbs in a sunny spot. Also, cut off the dead heads after flowering to conserve energy for the colder months.
