When to Plant Sprouting Tulip Bulbs

Tulip bulbs stored improperly may sprout prematurely.

Tulip bulbs stored improperly may sprout prematurely.

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Tulip bulbs (Tulipa spp.)are typically recommended for planting in the fall. Bulbs of this genus need time in the soil to start a root system before the cold weather begins. Additionally, the cold temperatures of winter are essential for the tulip bulb. When temperatures warm up, bulbs are signaled to begin sending up shoots and flowers.

Chilling Bulbs

Ideally, tulips planted in the fall will experience chilling in the soil as the ground freezes. However, not all areas of the country experience temperatures low enough to cause the soil to freeze. If your geographic location has mild winter weather, you can chill bulbs out of the ground in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Bulbs may sprout prematurely if kept in an area that is too warm, leaving you with bulbs growing out of the ground.

Care of Sprouted Bulbs

If your bulbs have begun sprouting and they are out of the ground, they can still be planted. If the soil is frozen outdoors, wait to plant the sprouted bulbs until the ground has thawed. Store the bulbs in moist peat moss in a cool area until the ground is soft. If the soil is not frozen outdoors, you can plant your sprouted bulbs directly in the ground. Take care not to break the stems when planting.

Bulbs in Containers

Bulbs sprouting in a container can be transplanted into the ground as long as you don't separate the bulbs during transplant. Ensure the soil outdoors is not frozen and carefully remove all of the bulbs growing inside the container at once. If the soil from the container stays fixed to the roots of the bulbs, do not try to remove it. Put the entire clump of bulbs and container soil into the hole in the ground. After the flowers are done producing and the leaves die back, you can dig up the bulbs and separate them as desired.

Growing Bulbs

Planting bulbs that have already sprouted may or may not result in a flourishing tulip display. The success depends partly on how much food the bulb was able to store during dormancy. Even though the sprouted bulbs may not have had the fall months to establish roots, once planted, the bulbs will typically play catch-up to establish that system. Providing your bulbs with optimal conditions is the best way to promote healthy growth. Tulips need fast-draining, fertile soil and warm, dry summers. Typically, tulip bulbs should be planted at a depth two to three times the height of the bulb, but check the package recommendations for specificity to the variety you are planting.

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Cynthia Domenghini


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