It seems like magic when a magnificent blossom emerges from tulip bulbs in the vase. Without any substrate blocking your view, you can experience a floral miracle up close in the middle of winter. The following instructions explain in practical terms how to bring tulips to life in a glass.
How do I make tulips bloom in a glass?
To make tulips bloom in a glass, place the bulb in a bowl-shaped vase where the bulb does not come into direct contact with water. Place the jar in a dark, cool room for approximately 8-12 weeks before placing it in a bright, warm location.
Suitable tulips – tips on varieties
Not all tulips thrive with bulbs in the vase. Choosing suitable varieties makes an important contribution to making the effort for flowering outside of the natural season worthwhile. The following selection presents you with proven tulips for growing:
- Simple flowers: Duc van Tol (red), Belle Lisette (white), Yellow Emperor (yellow), Bride of Harlem (white-red)
- Double flowers: Tournesol (red), Murillo (pink), Sweetheard (yellow), Turban (dark purple)
It is especially the early blooming tulips that will bring you a lot of joy in the vase with bulbs. The late beauties, such as Viridiflora tulips or parrot tulips, are less suitable.
The perfect glass
Tulip bulbs can only be motivated to bloom in winter if they do not come into direct contact with water. So look out for a vase with these attributes:
- The upper part of the glass is designed like a bowl, big enough for tulip bulbs
- The vase narrows underneath, similar to an hourglass
- This is followed by a bulbous area in which the root strands find space in the water
These proportions ensure that enough water is transported into the onion via the root system. At the same time, rot has no chance because the outer shells of the tulip bulbs remain dry.
This is how the tulip blossom gets going
Tulip driving starts in November. Fill the vase with boiled water. Then place the tulip bulb in the bowl so that there is a maximum distance of 5 mm between the water and the bulb. For a period of 8 to 12 weeks, place the jar in a dark room with temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. If the water level drops, please top up with fresh water.
Then bring the vase into the room to place it on the bright, warm windowsill. Since a vital root system has now formed, a stem will sprout within a short time to produce the longed-for flower.
Tip
Repeated skin contact with the poisonous plant sap can cause tulip dermatitis. Always approach tulip bulbs, leaves and stems with protective gloves.
