Plant Tulip Bulbs

Tulips are spring flowers, which means that their bulbs should be planted in autumn. This article takes you through the technique, to help make your garden look stunning with the addition of tulips.

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:Tulipbulb1.png|200px|right]] Choose plump and firm tulip bulbs. Do not plant a bulb that is soft or shriveled, as it may be rotten or dead inside.
 * 2) [[Image:Tulipbulb2.png|200px|right]] Prepare the site. Tulips grow in most soils but if the soil is very dry, plant the bulbs a day after it has rained. The ideal site should be sunny or lightly shaded. Remove any weeds or stones and use a fork or trowel to loosen and aerate the soil.
 * 3)  Plant the tulip bulbs.
 * 4) *[[Image:Tulipbulb3.png|200px|right]]Use a trowel to dig a hole large enough to fit all of the bulbs that you are planting. The depth of the hole should be twice the length of the bulb itself.
 * 5) *[[Image:Tulipbulb4.png|200px|right]]Loosen the soil inside the hole to help the roots grow more easily.
 * 6) *[[Image:Tulipbulb5.png|200px|right]]Bulbs must be planted with the tip pointing upwards.
 * 7) *[[Image:Tulipbulb6.png|200px|right]]Position the bulbs in a random pattern 2 - 3 times their width apart.
 * 8) *[[Image:Tulipbulb7.png|200px|right]]Bulbs can be planted together in one hole if you have an open, empty flower bed, or individual holes can be made using a dibber.
 * 9)  Replace the soil.
 * 10) *[[Image:Tulipbulb10.png|200px|right]]Using your hands, gently draw the soil across the bulbs, taking care not to move them.
 * 11) *[[Image:Tulipbulb9.png|200px|right]]Press the soil down with your fingers.
 * 12) [[Image:Tulipbulb11.png|200px|right]] Water the bulbs only if really dry. Unless the ground is very dry, there is no need to water the bulbs. Newly planted bulbs may rot if the soil becomes sodden and waterlogged. There should be enough rain through the autumn and winter to provide your bulbs with enough moisture. By March or April in the northern hemisphere and September or October in the southern hemisphere, your bulbs should have transformed into beautiful spring tulips.

Tips

 * If you do need to water your bulbs, make sure to use a watering can, as the water flow is much softer than hose pressure.
 * Tulips need cold weather to root. This means leaving the planting until the end of autumn in cooler areas and the beginning of winter in warmer areas. If you live in a very mild climate, you may need to chill the bulbs before planting–keep them refrigerated for 8-12 weeks before planting.

Warnings

 * Don't tread on the soil after planting, as it may damage the growing points of the bulbs.
 * If you live in an area that does not experience frost you must chill the bulbs before planting.

Things You'll Need

 * Garden fork
 * Trowel
 * Dibber, or similar item such as a stick
 * Tulip bulbs
 * Good organic soil enhancer, because the bulbs will need it.
 * Ground cover frost protection if in severe cold zone.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Plant Flower Bulbs
 * How to Cure Daffodil Bulbs for Replanting
 * How to Make a Graduated Dibble for Planting Bulbs
 * How to Grow a TickleMe Plant
 * How to Create a Rustic Flower Garden
 * How to Plant Flowers
 * How to Arrange Flowers for a Small Vase
 * How to Germinate Tree Seeds

Sources and Citations

 * VideoJug A video of planting tulips; original source of article. Shared with permission & appreciation.