Late-flowering tulips are planted in fall so the bulbs can chill over winter and bloom in May. Unpack your bulbs right away and store them in a cool, dry, dark spot until you're ready to plant.
Planting
- Time it right. Plant in fall once soil temperatures cool, roughly 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes.
- Pick your spot. Choose full sun to partial shade with loose, well-drained soil; tulips rot in soggy ground.
- Dig 6 inches deep. Set bulbs pointed end up, 6 in. deep and 3-6 in. apart.
- Plant in groups. Because varieties aren't labeled, cluster 10 or more bulbs per drift for the biggest color impact.
- Backfill and water in. Firm the soil gently and water once to settle the bulbs.
Watering
- Fall and spring moisture. Keep soil lightly moist while roots form and while foliage is actively growing.
- Ease off after bloom. Reduce watering once flowers fade and let the bed dry out through summer dormancy.
Feeding
- At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
- Each spring. Scratch in a light feeding as shoots emerge to support next year's flower buds.
Aftercare
- Deadhead spent flowers. Snip off faded blooms so energy goes back into the bulb.
- Leave the leaves. Let foliage yellow and die back naturally before removing it, usually 6 weeks after bloom.
- Mulch in cold zones. Add 2-3 in. of mulch after the ground cools for extra winter protection.
Containers
- Use deep pots. Choose containers at least 12 in. deep with drainage holes and quality potting mix.
- Provide chilling. In zones 8 and warmer, or for potted bulbs, give 12-14 weeks of cold storage around 35-45 degrees F before forcing.