What Is the Germination Period for Tulips?

Tulip Bulbs

• Tulips bloom in the early spring, well before the leaves come out on the trees or the annuals and perennials emerge, so the sight of their familiar, cup-shaped blooms is particularly welcome. Though they only send up flowers and foliage for a few months, once planted, old-fashioned tulips live for years. To extend the life of a tulip bed, many gardeners dig up the bulbs once the flowers have faded and store them until fall planting time. Unfortunately, many modern hybrid tulips do not bloom well after the first year; consequently, they are often treated as annuals and replaced each year.

Planting

• Tulips should be planted in the early fall, before the ground has a chance to freeze. Planting the bulbs while the soil is still soft gives the roots a chance to grow before the extremely cold weather arrives. Once the ground begins to thaw, the bulbs will naturally emerge from dormancy. The cool soil and lack of sun keep the bulb from emerging too early; the warm soil and increase in light trigger the enzymes that allow the plant to grow.

Housekeeping

• To keep tulips looking their best, remove faded flowers immediately. This will redirect the plant's energy into the roots and bulb, rather than wasting valuable resources trying to set seed. Once the flowers are gone, the remaining foliage may become scraggly and unsightly. Tempting as it may be, do not trim the foliage until it begins to yellow. As long as the leaves are green, they are converting sunlight into energy and funneling the fuel into the bulb to nourish the plant embryo during the dormant phase.

Forcing Tulips

• Tulips can be forced to bloom out of season, filling the house with their cheerful blooms from January through March. Simply place the bulbs in a large container, then add enough pebbles to cover the bulbs one-third of the way to the top. Pour water over the stones, adding just enough to cover the pebbles. Place the container in a cool, dark location, such as the root cellar or refrigerator. To germinate, the bulbs must be exposed to temperatures less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit for several months. Check the bulbs daily, adding water as often as needed to keep the pebbles covered. Wait 12 to 16 weeks, then move the container to a warm, sunny spot. Green shoots should emerge in a matter of days.