Autumn is the time to plant flower bulbs. Of course, this traditional gardening rule is not precise enough for tulip bulbs. If the tubers are put into the ground too early, they will sprout prematurely and the hope of lush spring blossoms is gone. Read here when you should plant tulip bulbs on time.
When is the ideal time to plant tulip bulbs?
Tulip bulbs should be planted between mid-October and December, as soon as the soil temperature is consistently below 10 degrees Celsius and hard night frosts are not yet expected. During this time, the bulbs can be optimally anchored and the flowers can be cultivated successfully.
Time slot opens mid-October
Tulip bulbs depend on a cold stimulus so that they sprout on time in spring. Consequently, there is no alternative to autumn as a planting time. However, if excessive heat is applied to the tubers, growth will start prematurely. Temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees Celsius sometimes prevail in the sunny, warm September soil. These general conditions signal the ideal planting date:
- The ground temperature is constantly below 10 degrees Celsius
- Hard night frosts are not yet expected for the next 14-21 days
- The soil is neither parched nor completely wet due to constant rain
With regard to the criteria mentioned, in mild years the planting time for tulip bulbs extends until December. As long as the garden soil is not frozen, the time window remains wide open.
Correct planting time alone does not ensure tulip blooms
Choosing the right date is just one aspect of the proper cultivation of tulips. So that you can enjoy picturesque tulip blossoms in spring, a number of measures are required. The following brief overview gives you all the relevant aspects:
- Plant tulip bulbs in a sunny, warm location
- Place in humus-rich, loose, sandy-loamy soil
- The planting depth corresponds to twice to three times the size of the bulb
- Plant each bulb with the tip pointing upwards 15-20 cm apart and water moderately
It is advantageous for rapid rooting if you enrich the excavated soil with sifted compost and horn shavings (€52.00 at Amazon). If you have concerns about water permeability, spread a layer of sand on the bottom of the planting hole as drainage. Plant tulip bulbs in pots or flower boxes, pottery shards prevent harmful waterlogging.
Tip
Long before the window opens for the ideal planting time, the store shelves bend under the weight of the most beautiful varieties. If you don't want to lose out now, buy fresh tulip bulbs and store them professionally until mid/late October. In the cool, dark basement, you can simply store the flower bulbs on a wire rack, in a box lined with paper or wrapped in air-permeable fleece.
