Long Life Tulips » Aftercare

Tulip aftercare

Bloomaker does not guarantee that getting your tulips to bloom for another year is going to work. We do however appreciate your enthusiasm if you do want to try to get the bulbs to bloom for another year, therefore we are happy to provide you with all the information you need on the matter.

After flowering, clip the wilted flower off the stem, and let the foliage die off while maintaining water level. When the foliage has completed drying out, you may see new little bulbs beginning to form, leave these.

You don't want the bulbs to be moist when you put them in storage. Let the bulb dry thoroughly. To dry the bulbs, you can place them in a paper bag and set them somewhere that gets a lot of air circulation, near an open window or in an open garage.

Cut the foliage, but leave the roots. When this is done, store the bulbs in a dry, cool, frost free place and away from rodents, possible until early November. Then plant them in your garden, using a good mix of soil and compost. Thoroughly water them at planting.

Refrigerate tulips bulbs for six to eight weeks before planting in zones 8 through 10, place them in a paper bag away from ripening fruits (the fruits produce ethylene gas, which destroys the flower bud within the bulb).

Tulips grow best in full sun in well-prepared soil with fast drainage. Avoid planting where water collects, or in locations that are prone to late frosts.

When and where to plant (in my zone) after flowering?

Zones 4 & 5 - September or early October
Zones 6 & 7 - October to early November
Zones 8 & 9 - November to early December
Zone 10 - Late December to early January

You can find your planting zone here: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

If you'd like to attempt to make them grow on water again, have a look here: Can the bulbs grow on water again?