Quck answer
After tulips bloom in pots, you can plant them outside to enjoy their beauty year after year. Here are the steps to plant tulips outside:
1. Wait until the tulip flowers wilt and the foliage turns yellow.
2. Gently remove the tulip bulbs from the pots, being careful not to damage them.
3. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
4. Dig a hole that is about 6-8 inches deep.
5. Place the tulip bulbs in the hole, pointed end facing up.
6. Cover the bulbs with soil and water them thoroughly.
7. Mulch the area to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
8. Continue to water the tulips regularly, especially during dry spells.
9. Enjoy the beautiful blooms when spring comes again!
Remember to let the foliage die naturally before removing it, as this helps the bulbs store energy for the next year’s growth.
When winter and early spring come around, many people purchase or receive potted tulip plants (Tulipa spp.), which are able to thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. These tulips have been “forced” to bloom out of season by nurseries carefully manipulating light, temperature, and growing conditions. After the forcing process, the plant’s energy, which is stored in the tulip bulb, is depleted. To successfully care for forced bulbs, one must build up the plant’s energy supply once again. Forced tulips can be planted outdoors and will bloom again, although it may take a year or two.
After the Bloom Care
Start preparing potted tulips for outdoor planting as soon as the petals begin to fade. Keep the plants inside, ideally in a south- or east-facing window, at room temperature. Cut off dead flowers by clipping the stem close to the base of the plant. Before and after cutting, disinfect clippers by soaking them for five minutes in a 50-50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water. This allows the plant to put energy into the bulb, rather than seed production. Continue to water when the soil surface feels dry and keep an eye on the plant’s leaves. Feed the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer, such as 24-8-16, mixing 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water, applied every two weeks. Do not remove the leaves until they have turned brown and brittle.
Planting in the Spring
Plant tulips outdoors anytime during the spring, starting when the soil is workable. If the leaves are still green, wait until they turn brown and remove them. Pick a sunny location, preferably one that receives minimal water during summer. Carefully remove the bulbs from the pot and dig a hole 8 inches deep for each bulb. Combine the dirt from the holes with an equal amount of compost. Plant bulbs with the pointed end facing up, at least 5 inches apart. Fill the holes with the amended soil and water thoroughly. Fertilize with the same all-purpose product, using 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, every 14 days until the soil cools to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Planting in the Fall
If it is not feasible to plant tulips outdoors in the spring, you can wait until fall with an equal chance of success. After the leaves have died, dig up the tulip bulbs from the soil. Place the bulbs in a brown paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place. In the fall, when the soil cools to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, plant the tulips outside. Water after planting, but don’t water again until after leaves appear.
Forced Tulip Considerations
Not all tulip varieties will rebloom as easily as others, even with the best care. Generally, Darwin hybrids, single early, and single late tulips are the best rebloomers. However, the tulips sold in pots during the winter are often not labeled by type. Potted tulips that rebloom after being transplanted outside may produce smaller flowers than those grown in the first year indoors. When planting outdoors, position previously potted bulbs within new tulip bulb plantings to ensure a good floral display, even if the potted bulb never reblooms or waits until the second year after planting.
FAQ
1. Can I plant tulips outside after they bloom in pots?
Yes, you can plant tulips outside after they bloom in pots. Once the tulips have finished flowering, it is important to wait until the foliage turns yellow and dies back. This signals that the tulip bulbs have stored enough energy for the next year’s growth. Carefully remove the tulips from the pots, being mindful not to damage the roots or bulbs. Choose a suitable location in your garden with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight. Dig a hole that is two to three times the depth of the bulb and place the tulip bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upwards. Cover the bulb with soil, water thoroughly, and wait for the tulips to bloom again next spring.
2. When is the best time to plant tulips outside after they bloom in pots?
The best time to plant tulips outside after they bloom in pots is in the fall, typically between September and November. This allows the tulip bulbs enough time to establish roots before the cold winter months. However, it is important to wait until the foliage of the tulips has turned yellow and died back completely. Planting too early while the foliage is still green can prevent the tulip bulbs from storing enough energy for the next year’s growth. By waiting until the fall, you also ensure that the soil temperature has cooled down, providing optimal conditions for bulb planting and root development.
3. How should I prepare the soil before planting tulips outside after they bloom in pots?
Before planting tulips outside after they bloom in pots, it is important to prepare the soil properly. Start by choosing a location in your garden with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight. Remove any weeds or grass from the area and loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage. Mix the organic matter into the soil thoroughly. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding sand or perlite to improve its texture and drainage. Once the soil is prepared, dig a hole that is two to three times the depth of the tulip bulb and proceed with planting the tulips as mentioned before.