When to Plant Tulip Bulbs in Southern California

In the Late Fall

• Fall is the best time to plant tulip bulbs for most regions in America. Like other spring flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips need to be dormant during the cooler winter months to renew their resources and be able to bloom again in the spring. Autumn lasts a long time in Southern California, which means that the soil needs time to cool down. Therefore, it is best to wait until November or December (depending on the weather that year) to plant tulip bulbs if you live in Southern California.

After Freezing Them

• Tulips do not grow easily in Southern California---the climate is simply too warm. Tulips grow better in colder climates. To encourage your tulips to grow, place them in a netted bag (no plastic bags) in a drawer in your refrigerator. Do not place them near any fruit. After six to eight weeks, remove them and plant them as soon as possible.

When the Soil Is Ready

• Do not plant your tulip bulbs until you have properly prepared the soil. Tulips will only last one year in Southern California, so do not mix bulb food into the soil. Instead, mix a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) into the top 6 inches of the dirt. Then, plant them 6 inches below the surface. This is deeper than in most cooler climates, but the depth will help keep the bulbs cooler and safe from rotting. Bulbs will not last in the summer heat, however, and should be removed and discarded after the blooms die down.