How to Plant Tulip Bulbs

One of the most exciting things about the springtime is all of the flowers that blossom in your garden. Few flowers provide as much anticipation as tulips that were planted in the fall the year before. Something about letting those bulbs stew over the colder winter months to magically appear in the spring is exhilarating. Not only that, but the tulips can be one of the most beautiful flowers you can add to your yard.

For many young gardeners, planting tulip bulbs can be somewhat intimidating the first time. Something about the fall planting scares many away from the process. When it comes down to it, planting your tulips is actually quite simple.

The first thing that you need to decide is what type of tulip plant you are going to plant. There are 15 different divisions of tulips, separated by their bloom time, parentage, and characteristics. If you have a specific month in which you would like tulips, or if you prefer a particular style of plant, you will want to select your bulbs accordingly.

The bulb should be firm and light colored, with the skin peeling away easily. You should also select bulbs that are heavy for their size. The bulbs can be planted in your garden around 5-6 weeks before the first ground freeze in your area. You want the soil to fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but not yet frozen. The bulb will need sufficient time to lay down roots and establish itself before the cold of winter sets in. Don't worry about the cold too much, as tulips grow naturally in mountainous regions.

For the best chance for success, you will want to prepare the soil before planting. A tiller or other tool to break the soil, followed by composting will give your plants the best chance of success in the spring. Some gardeners will cover the ground with hay or straw over the winter, though this is not necessary for success. The bulb is typically planted to a depth that is 3-4 times its height.

After the bulbs are planted, you are pretty much finished. Be sure to water the bulbs a bit before winter sets in, and then take a break until spring. You will be pleasantly surprised with the work you did in the fall. Freshly bloomed tulips are an excellent addition to your garden. Not only are they easy to plant, but they are a pleasant surprise to end winter and start the spring season.