Tulip: when to plant and care
Treat as annual in zones 8+; pre-chill bulbs 6+ weeks in the refrigerator there.
| Botanical name | Tulipa spp. |
|---|---|
| Type | bulb |
| USDA zones | 3–8 |
| Sun | full sun |
| Water | low-moderate |
| Bloom | spring |
| Mature size | 0.5–2 ft |
| Planting time | Fall, after soil cools below about 60°F |
Bulbs need a cold period to bloom; in zones 8b+ pre-chill tulips or choose low-chill daffodils.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | fall: Nov 3–Dec 29 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | fall: Oct 25–Dec 20 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | fall: Oct 21–Dec 16 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | fall: Oct 22–Dec 17 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | fall: Sep 28–Nov 23 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | fall: Nov 3–Dec 29 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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Sources
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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