Stages of Tulip Growth

Bulb Stage

• The first stage of tulip growth occurs beneath the soil. In the first several weeks of development, your tulip bulb will grow an intricate root system that will help it gather the nutrition it needs to produce beautiful flowers. During this phase, the tulip needs to be watered at least twice a week, and the area around the bulb needs to be fertilized once a week. The bulb phase will last one to two months and occurs during the winter.

Shooting

• The shooting phase begins in the spring and is evidenced by green shoots poking up through the ground. This is the fastest phase of growth and will only last one to two weeks. During this phase, it is important to stay clear of the delicate new growth. Only water the plant once a week during this period.

Flowering

• After the shoots grow to their full height, buds will begin to form, and flowers will appear several days after that. The flowering phase lasts all spring, and you will see beautiful blooming tulips until the end of May. During the flowering phase, water the tulips twice a week, and fertilize once a month. Tulips do not need much care during the flowing phase, since they are quite hardy.

Foliage/Dormancy

• At the beginning of summer, your tulips will begin to lose flower petals, but their leaves will grow a bit bigger. This is your plant's way of storing some last-minute food before its dormancy period. After two to three weeks, the leaves will begin to wilt, and the plant will seem to die. The tulip will, however, come back again the next spring. During dormancy, the area where your tulips are will still need to be watered at least bi-weekly.