How to Grow Tulip Bulbs in Water

Line a flat tray with sawdust or peat moss that is slightly moistened with distilled water. Place the tulip bulbs in a single layer on the medium. Cover them with more moist sawdust or peat moss.

Place the tulip bulbs in a dark, cool area where temperatures remain between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs must remain in the cold for 14 to 20 weeks. Check the bulbs during the chilling period for rot or rodent damage. Remove any damaged bulbs. Keep the peat moss slightly damp during the storage. This process tricks the embryo in the bulb into thinking it went through a winter chill.

Spread a layer of small pebbles in the bottom of a shallow bulb planter when the bulbs have chilled for the appropriate time. Space the tulip bulbs onto the pebbles so the flat side of each bulb faces the wall of the planter but does not touch another bulb.

Fill the planter with more pebbles so only the sprouting yellow tips of the tulip bulbs are exposed. Pour distilled water into the tray just to the top of the pebbles.

Move the potted tulips into a cool, dimly lit area where temperatures are about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the bulbs in the area until the sprouts turn green.

Move the sprouting tulips into a warm area that receives bright light. Turn the pot daily to ensure straight, even growth. Keep the water level to just at the top of the pebbles. The tulip bulbs should bloom in about two to three weeks.

Discard the bulbs after the blooms fade because they will not produce well after being forced indoors.