How to Plant Tulips in Texas

Choose a variety that is hardy in your zone whenever possible. If you purchase tulips that are not hardy in your zone, refrigerate the bulbs for eight weeks before planting them in the early spring. Keep them in sealed bags if you have ripening fruit or vegetables in your fridge.

Create a fertile, well-draining soil bed for your tulips. Turn over the soil about 8 to 12 inches deep and incorporate 3 or 4 inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter.

Plant tulips 4 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 8 inches apart. The tips of the bulbs should face up. Plant the bulbs in the late fall or early winter in Texas. They need at least eight weeks of cold weather to bloom. If you are expecting a mild winter, it's best just to refrigerate the bulbs and plant them in the early spring.

Water your tulips with 1 to 2 inches of water. After the initial watering, normal rainfall should be enough to keep them moist. However, check the soil and water the bulbs again if your area experiences a dry period, as the soil should not be allowed to dry out. The tulips should grow in the spring.