When is it too late to plant Tulips?

Posted by Shannen Godwin on 17th Jun 2021

When is it too late to plant Tulips?

Bright, bold, and colourful, Tulips are one of the most popular spring-flowering bulbs that gardeners plant in autumn. Many gardeners may think that you need to get all your bulbs in the ground by October, but this isn't the case! If you haven't finished your tulip planting yet and you're wondering when do you plant tulips bulbs then don't worry! Keep reading to find out how long you can plant tulip bulbs.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T PLANT TULIPS TOO EARLY

Tulip bulbs are always so eager to get growing. If you plant them too soon, they’ll send their leaves up right away. This will only freeze them in the winter.

WHEN DO YOU PLANT TULIP BULBS?

Wait to plant tulip bulbs until mid-autumn, up until 6 weeks before a ground-freezing frost is expected. Sometimes, even December (or even later) works best if you live in mild winter areas.

CAN YOU PLANT TULIPS IN JANUARY?


Yes, tulips can be planted in January. The later you plant your tulip bulbs, the better. This helps to avoid tulip fire, a disease that affects just tulips on the leaves and petals.

WHAT IF I DON'T PLANT THEM BY CHRISTMAS?

If you missed planting your bulbs during autumn/early winter and you've got a pack of tulips or daffodils laying around in January or February, plant them and take your chances. Here are our top tips for winter bulb planting:

  • Clear away snow and loosen soil, if possible.
  • If the ground is totally frozen, scatter fertilizer sparingly and over a larger range than normal.
  • Place bulbs on top of the soil. Do not press them in, as this will damage the bulb base, where roots form.
  • Cover with 2-4 inches of aged mulch or finished compost (go for the thicker layer if planting during the height of winter).
  • Renew mulch covering often with a fresh 2 inch layer.

Shop our full range of Tulips online.