Does a Tulip Flower Turn Into a Seed Pod?

Pollination

• Tulip blossoms are pollinated by bees, insects, birds and wind. Pollen tubes travel down to the ovary and a seed pod is formed when the ovules become fertilized. The flower petals will begin to wilt and die.

Seed Pod

• The wilting flower should be cut away or dead-headed to stop the development of the seed pod. When a seed pod is allowed to mature it takes nutrition and energy from the tulip bulb which is already developing for next year. When allowed to mature, seeds can be planted but it takes years for the tulips to reach maturity.

Deadheading

• Remove the dying bloom from the tulip plant by cutting it off of the stem with garden shears or a knife. Snip the area just below the seed pod which is in the receptacle at the top of the stem.