Can Tulip Bulbs Be Planted in Early Spring?

Facts

• Tulips planted in the spring will not bloom, since bulbs require long periods of cold temperatures to bloom properly.

Considerations

• Although bulbs may not be planted outside in the spring, the bulbs may be refrigerated and forced for indoor planting.

Time Frame

• Tulips may take about 16 weeks to grow. Bulbs stored in the cold for longer will typically grow taller than those with shorter periods of cold.

Normal Instructions

• Gardeners in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 and 5 typically plant tulip bulbs outside in September or October. Those in zones 6 and 7 should plant tulips between October and November. Plant bulbs in November or December if you are in hardiness zones 8 and 9. Although growing tulips in zone 10 is difficult, plant the bulbs in January after refrigerating for several weeks.