How to Grow Tulips in a Vase

Tulips are some of the earliest spring flowers, pushing their heads through the soil when the rest of the garden is still dull and gray. These bright, colorful perennials grow from long-lasting bulbs and return year after year with proper care. They thrive in indoor and potted situations as well with careful preparation and maintenance. Put your tulips in alternative containers, such as large grass or ceramic vases, for spring, summer and fall growth and blooming.

Wide-necked vase
Gravel
Charcoal
Potting soil
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Start tulips in the fall giving them cold winter germination periods. Temperatures less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit wake the bulbs up, encouraging germination and rooting for spring growth and blooming. Use wide-necked vases at least 6 inches tall giving the tulips room for root and foliage growth.
- 2
  Lay a 1-inch layer of gravel on the vase’s bottom giving the tulips drainage. Put 1/4 inch of charcoal on the gravel for cleaning. Tulips require this drainage keeping their roots out of standing water.
- 3
  Fill the vase 3/4 full of rich, soil-based potting soil. Avoid peat moss or peat-based potting soils, which burn tulip bulbs and roots. Place tulip bulbs on the soil with the pointed ends up every 2 to 3 inches. Cover the bulbs with 1 inch of potting soil.
- 4
  Put the vase outside in a site with full sun and good air circulation. Let the bulbs germinate and sprout on their own. They don't require watering at this point and will rot if watered.
- 5
  Move tulips indoors when they sprout and their growth reaches 1 inch. Put them in a spot with full sunshine and good air circulation. Irrigate them with 2 inches of water every week. Keep them away from heating vents and fireplaces during the winter season, as hot air dries foliage and soil.

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