How to Plant Tulips

Plant tulips in fall after your first frost, 5 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart. In zones 8–10 they need chilling first.

How to Plant Tulips
When to plant
Fall, after your first frost and about 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes
Depth
5 inches
Spacing
4–6 inches apart
Sun
At least 4–6 hours of direct sun
Water
Water frequently in spring
Soil
Well-drained; avoid low, wet spots

Step by step

  1. Pick a site with at least 4–6 hours of sun and fast drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects or frost settles.
  2. Plant after your first fall frost and at least 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes. That's usually September in zones 4–5, October in zones 6–7, November in zones 8–9, and late December in zone 10.
  3. Plant the bulbs 5 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, pointed end up.
  4. Backfill, firm the soil, and water in.
  5. Cover with mulch for winter. Peat moss, pine needles, leaves, straw or grass clippings all work.
  6. Water frequently once growth appears in spring.

After bloom

Let the leaves brown and die back on their own before you cut them off; they store energy for next year. When cutting tulips for a vase, use a sharp knife and take no more than one or two leaves per plant.
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