- 1). Choose a tulip variety that is labeled for your planting zone. Although many are hardy in subzero weather, some are not. The terms "naturalizing" or "perennializing" indicate the tulip bulbs are suitable for nearly any zone.
- 2). Examine the bulbs for any signs of disease. Plump, firm bulbs with the papery covering intact typically perform best. Discard soft or discolored bulbs or those with moldy spots. Healthy tulips bulbs are yellowish-white.
- 3). Select a sunny location for planting tulip bulbs. Under deciduous trees works well as the leaves do not form and shade the area until after the tulips have bloomed. Plant tulips along fences or in rock gardens to add bright spring color.
- 4). Dig a hole to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Amend with 1 to 2 quarts of compost or well-rotted manure. Tulips prefer organic-rich soil that drains well. Add a handful of 5-10-10 fertilizer per 1 dozen bulbs and mix it in well with the existing soil.
- 5). Plant the bulbs 1 inch deeper than the recommended depth on the package. Judy Donaldson Master Gardener at Colorado State University, recommends this method to extend the life of your tulips. In the absence of planting instructions, plant the bulb to a depth of three times the diameter of the bulb, plus 1 inch.
- 6). Position the bulbs into the soil at the bottom of the hole with the pointed end facing upward. Space tulip bulbs according to the recommendations on the package -- typically 4 to 6 inches. Cover with soil and firm it down with your hands to secure the bulbs and remove air pockets.
- 7). Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to the depth of the bulbs. This encourages good root formation before freezing weather arrives. A healthy root system produces healthy, vigorous foliage and blooms the following spring.
- 8). Mulch with a 3- to 4-inch layer of straw, hay or leaves once the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil has frozen. This prevents the bulbs from heaving from the soil with repeated freezing and thawing during the winter.
- 9). Remove the mulch in the spring when new growth appears. Sprinkle bulb fertilizer over the soil following the recommended application rate on the package. Work the fertilizer into the soil with a towel or hand tools.
- 10
Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming, as the plant needs foliage to manufacture and store food in the bulb for blooms in the following years. Bloom stems can be cut back to the base of the plant once flowers fade. - 11
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