How to Get Tulips to Bloom Every Year

Tulips belong to the genus Tulipa in the family liliaceae, with over a hundred species of these bulbs. The numerous hybrids and species are divided into 15 groups depending on parentage and flower type. Species tulips are easy to grow and, given correct growing conditions, they bloom every year. Hybrid tulips are fussy and more difficult to grow. They are less likely to come back and bloom every year.

Hand shovel or spade
Ruler
Bone meal

Instructions

- 1
  Read the package to find out what type of bulb you have.
- 2
  Dig holes for your bulbs. Hybrid tulip bulbs need deeper holes than species tulip bulbs.
- 3
  Measure the depth of the holes with the ruler. The deeper you plant your tulip bulbs the better their chance of coming back and blooming next year. Species tulips prefer 8-inch deep holes. Hybrid tulips prefer 12-inch deep holes.
- 4
  Put 1 tbsp. of bone meal in the bottom of each hole. Bone meal encourages flowers.
- 5
  Place the bulbs with the pointed side up in the bottom of the holes.
- 6
  Backfill the holes with soil. Tamp down the soil. Water well.

What Temperature Should Cut Tulips Be Stored At?

Tulip Types

Growing Tulips