This is the second year we have grown tulips at GreenStalk Garden, and we are excited to plant tulips again for the upcoming season. In 2024, we grew Apricot Impression variety of tulips successfully in the GreenStalk Original Planter. This year, we are planting the Foxtrot pink variety of tulips and hope to repeat last year's success!
If you want to plant tulips and have them burst into bloom in the spring, planning ahead is key! Tulip bulbs require 12-15 weeks of cold stratification. Cold stratification is the process of exposing the bulbs to cold conditions, which allows them to break dormancy and flower. The bulbs will awaken, develop a partial root system, and then go into another resting period until the soil around them warms in the spring. To accomplish this you have three options:
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Plant the bulbs and store your GreenStalk for the winter.
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Purchase pre-chilled bulbs.
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Refrigerate the bulbs yourself.
Plant the bulbs deep enough to allow room for the stems to grow.
The method you choose depends on your USDA zone, so be sure to research what works best for your area!
Tulips come in many varieties, so choose the one you’d like to grow and order your bulbs early. There are many seed companies online where you can purchase bulbs. You can also check with your local garden center to see what tulip bulbs are available in the spring. Popular varieties can sell out quickly, so don’t wait too long to place your order.
Plant and overwinter in a GreenStalk
Use light, fluffy potting soil for your GreenStalk Original Planter. Happy Frog potting soil is a great option, but any high-quality potting soil or mix will do. Research shows that the bulb contains all the energy it needs to grow and bloom, so no extra nutrients are required. However, you can add compost, worm castings, bone meal, or an organic product like Espoma's Bulb-tone if you prefer. Check out our video on planting bulbs for more information.
If you live in a USDA zone with cold enough winters, you can plant and overwinter your bulbs. Be sure the weather stays cool enough to keep the bulbs from sprouting throughout the winter. Storing them in a cool, dark garage has worked well for us in zone 7.
When planting, follow these steps:
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A general rule is to plant tulip bulbs at a depth of 3-4 times the height of the bulb. For example, a 1-inch bulb should be planted 3-4 inches deep.
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Because tulips are so tall, we plant them much deeper to help support the stems.
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Make sure the flat side of the bulb faces down and the pointed side faces up.
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Keep the soil slightly moist, not wet, during the winter.
Move your planter to a sunny spot once temperatures rise.
To store your planter over the winter, we recommend simply placing it in an unheated garage. If storing outside, the GreenStalk should be wrapped. We suggest using a layer of burlap or bubble wrap in combination with a Frost Protection Cover. You can also take these extra measures to protect a GreenStalk stored in an unheated garage during lengthy periods of extreme cold. Check periodically to ensure the soil stays moist but not soggy; overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot.
As temperatures warm in early spring, your bulbs will begin to sprout. Move your GreenStalk to its springtime location to enjoy the blooms!
Planting in early spring
In warmer USDA zones where the winter is too warm for cold stratification, you can still grow tulips by taking these steps:
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Prepare the potting soil in your GreenStalk as described above.
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Purchase pre-chilled bulbs or refrigerate your bulbs for the necessary 12-15 weeks. When refrigerating, store the bulbs in a container with air circulation (like a mesh bag or open tray) to prevent rot. Be sure not to store near fruits and vegetables which give off ethylene gas that can damage the bulbs.
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Plant the chilled bulbs in your planter once the weather is right for your USDA zone.
'Ronaldo' tulips growing in a GreenStalk Original Planter
Enjoy the blooms!
Now that your tulips have bloomed, you will need to maintain the plants. Bulbs should not need additional fertilizer after they bloom, but they will need water. Simply add water to the top reservoir as needed.
Nothing brightens up spring like a beautiful display of tulips blooming in your yard, and by following these simple steps, you can successfully grow them in a GreenStalk!
Happy gardening!
