How to Plant Pink Tulips

Chill the bulbs for 12 to 16 weeks before planting. This will produce more vibrant, stronger tulips. Some nurseries sell chilled bulbs. The bulbs also do well if they are planted in the fall.

Prepare a site that is either in full or partial sun. Ideally the location will not have full afternoon sun. Planting under deciduous trees works well because the greenery isn't thick enough to block the sun when tulips are in bloom. Ensure the soil is well draining and nutrient rich by mixing in compost. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge when it is ready.

Measure the width of the bulb, and plant it three times as deep as the width. Space the bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart. Tulips look best if they are planted in clusters.

Add 3 inches of organic mulch such as wood chips or bark on top of the soil. This will help conserve moisture in the soil and reduce the number of weeds. Some types of mulch also leach nutrients into the soil when the tulips are watered.

Remove the flowers after they start to fade to prevent them from seeding, but leave the bulbs in the soil. The bulbs draw nutrients from the soil and prepare for the next season after the flowers are gone.