How to Plant Tulip Bulbs Late

Pot the bulb or bulbs in fresh potting soil with good drainage, with just the tip of the bulb showing above the surface. Use a pot at least twice as tall as the tallest tulip bulb, to allow room for root growth.

Water the soil and place a plastic bag with air holes punched in it over the top. Place the pot of tulips in the back of a refrigerator, or in another dark, 35 to 40 degree location for at least three months. Keep the soil moist while it sits.

Take the pot out of its cool, dry place in late March or early April, remove the plastic bag, and water it well. Put the pot in a cool but sunny location for a week or two, keeping the soil damp but not soaked.

Move any bulbs that sprout into a well-drained, full sun location in the garden once the plant's leaves show above the soile and there is no longer any risk of frost.