The epitome of springtime flowers, tulips are a welcome sign after a long winter. Its cheerful and vibrant-colored bulbs clearly state that warmer days are on the way. You’ll often see them in flower bouquets, but having them in your backyard or landscape is one surefire way to enjoy their beauty up close. If you’re in Virginia and wondering when the best time to plant tulips is, here are a few things to keep in mind.
When to Plant Tulips in Virginia?
Tulips are hardy plants that can withstand colder temperatures, but they won’t do well if planted too early in the season. The ground needs to be cool for the tulip bulbs to properly root. You’ll want to wait until the air temperature is consistently below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
This is typically sometime from October to November in Virginia during the fall. Most of the time, you’ll be safe to plant tulips as long as the ground isn’t frozen solid.
Doing this during the fall is beneficial for tulip bulbs. During this time, when the weather and outdoor temperatures are cool, the bulbs will be able to easily establish their roots. By this time, they’ll be able to withstand the colder temperatures that come with winter.
When you plant tulips in Virginia during the fall, they’ll most likely bloom the following spring.
If you plant tulips too early, before the ground has had a chance to cool down, the bulbs may not survive. If you wait too long and plant them on frozen ground, they may not be able to put down roots properly either.
Can You Still Plant Tulips in Spring in Virginia?
This is a common question, and many people have missed the fall planting window and wonder if they can still enjoy tulips in their landscape. The answer is, yes, you can still plant tulips in the spring, but there’s a greater risk that they may not bloom.
As soon as you can work the ground, you can plant tulips in spring. The process remains the same, except for an added step: vernalization. This is 14 weeks of cool (40-50 degrees Fahrenheit), moist conditions that stimulate flowering. Some gardens sell pre-chilled bulbs that have already undergone vernalization.
You can provide vernalization by storing the tulip bulbs in a cool, moist place like a refrigerator for 14 weeks before planting them outside. Be sure to plant them as soon as possible after taking them out of the fridge, so their roots don’t have a chance to dry out. You may not see tulips blooming the same spring they’re planted, but you should see them the following spring.
How to Plant Tulip Bulbs
There had been a common misconception that bulbs needed to be planted very deep. This isn’t the case with tulips. You’ll want to plant them about four to six inches below the soil surface and space them about six inches apart. Doing this promotes beautiful blooms come springtime.
When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole that’s twice as deep and wide as the bulb. Place the bulb in the ground pointed side up and cover it with soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
After you’ve planted tulip bulbs, give them a little extra attention during the fall and spring months. This means watering them regularly (about once a week) and fertilizing them monthly. Doing these things will give you the best chance for success in growing tulips in Virginia.
Remember that tulips don’t like getting wet most of the time. You can use gravel to amend the soil and promote drainage to help with this.
If there hasn’t been rain, water your tulips. If it does rain during the week, and there’s at least 1/4 inch of rain, you may not need water. Check the soil before watering to see if it’s dry a few inches below the surface.
When to Plant Tulips in Virginia: Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add some color and life to your yard, consider planting tulips! Tulips are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors, and they can be planted in both spring and fall.
Keep in mind that tulips need vernalization to bloom, so if you’re planting them in the spring, you’ll need to store them in a cool, moist place for 14 weeks before planting them outside.
Related Article: Will Frost Kill Tulips?