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Tulip

Cut Flower Care Guide

Tulips are the first major cut flower crop of spring, bringing color to the farm and market when little else is blooming. Plant bulbs in fall for spring harvest. For cut flower production, treat most tulips as annuals — they give their best show the first year. Specialty varieties like fringed, parrot, and double tulips command premium prices.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant Fall planting: October through November, after soil temperature drops below 55°F (13°C). Pre-chill bulbs in refrigerator for 12–16 weeks if fall planting window is short.

Planting Depth 6–8 inches deep (measured from base of bulb)

Spacing 4–6 inches between bulbs for cut flower production; closer spacing for dense plantings

Soil Well-drained, sandy loam, pH 6.0–7.0. Good drainage is critical — bulbs rot in wet soil.

Sunlight Full to part sun (they bloom before trees leaf out, so partial shade is fine)

💡 Tips

Pre-cool bulbs at 35–45°F for 12–16 weeks if your winters are mild (zone 7+)
Plant pointy end up
Use bulb crates for easy planting and digging — plant the whole crate
Tulips for cutting can be planted much closer than landscape spacing
Mix early, mid, and late varieties for an extended harvest window

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order bulbs for fall planting (yes, this early for specialty varieties). Review variety lists.

Feb

Continue pre-cooling bulbs if doing indoor forcing. Finalize fall order.

Mar

Earliest forced tulips may be ready for harvest. Watch for spring shoots outdoors in zone 7.

Apr

Peak harvest month for field-grown tulips. Pull or cut daily as buds color.

May

Late varieties still producing. Allow foliage to die back if saving bulbs.

Jun

Dig and store bulbs if saving. Clear tulip beds for summer crops.

Jul

Plan fall planting. Place bulb orders with specialty suppliers.

Aug

Finalize bulb orders. Begin pre-cooling if needed for your zone.

Sep

Receive bulb shipments. Begin pre-cooling in refrigerator if zone 7+.

Oct

Plant tulip bulbs once soil temperature drops below 55°F.

Nov

Finish planting. Mulch lightly after ground begins to freeze.

Dec

Beds are dormant. Ensure mulch coverage. Plan spring harvest logistics.