Replanting Tulip Bulbs: A Guide to Proper Care and Handling

Tulips are a classic spring flower that bloom from bulbs. To enjoy tulips year after year, it’s important to understand how to properly replant the bulbs after they bloom. Follow this guide to learn when and how to replant tulip bulbs for recurring seasonal flowers.

When to Replant Tulip Bulbs

Tulips have a yearly cycle timed with the changing seasons:

• Spring – Tulips send up leaves and flowers. Bulbs are actively growing.

• Summer – Foliage and flowers die back as bulbs go dormant.

• Fall – Dormant period continues with no visible growth.

• Winter – Bulbs require the chill of winter before restarting the cycle in spring

The ideal time for replanting tulip bulbs is early fall, around September-November. This allows the bulbs a period of dormancy before sprouting new growth the following spring.

Replanting in spring or summer is not recommended since bulbs need time to re-establish roots. Delaying replanting until winter in cold climates increases risk of frost damage

Digging Up Tulip Bulbs

Start by digging up bulbs once the foliage has died down usually 8-12 weeks after peak spring bloom. Gently loosen the soil and lift bulbs with roots intact.

Avoid accidentally cutting or damaging the basal plate where roots attach. The basal plate is needed for the bulb to re-sprout when replanted.

Rinse off any excess dirt clinging to bulbs. Allow bulbs to dry in a shady spot upside down for 2-3 days before storage.

Storing Tulip Bulbs for Replanting

After digging and drying, tulip bulbs must be properly stored for 2-3 months until ready to be replanted in fall.

• Place bulbs in a paper bag or open crate with good air circulation. Avoid plastic bags or containers that retain moisture.

• Keep bulbs in a cool, dry spot around 50-60°F like a garage or shed. Do not refrigerate.

• Bulbs should not be exposed to sunlight while in storage to prevent premature sprouting. Keep bags or crates in complete darkness.

• Check bulbs occasionally during storage and remove any that show signs of rotting.

Proper dry storage mimics the bulbs’ natural dormancy period and primes them for re-bloom.

What to Do With Old Flower Stems

As you dig up bulbs, you’ll find the old flower stems attached. These dried stems can simply be snapped off and discarded.

The stems do not help regenerate the plant. Removing old stems tidies up bulbs during storage.

Selecting Bulbs for Replanting

Inspect bulbs carefully to decide which ones to replant in fall:

• Replant large, firm bulbs that are not soft, mushy or moldy. Large size indicates a vigorous bulb that will re-bloom well.

• Discard small, shriveled bulbs. These will not have enough energy stored to sprout again.

• Keep bulbs showing no signs of rot or damage. Surface nicks are okay, but major injury or disease means discard.

Try to replant only the largest, healthiest bulbs for best results. Smaller bulbs can be discarded or planted in a separate spot away from your main Tulip display.

Preparing a Bed for Replanted Tulip Bulbs

Since tulips need excellent drainage, preparing the planting bed is key.

• Choose a site with full sun to part shade exposure. Tulips thrive in cool weather and ample sunlight.

• Improve drainage by mixing in compost, peat moss or gravel. Dense clay soil prevents bulb growth.

• Remove weeds which compete for nutrients. Test soil pH and amend if needed. Tulips prefer slightly acidic soil.

• Work soil 10-12 inches deep. Tulips have deep roots and require loose soil for easy emergence.

• Enrich soil with bulb fertilizer or compost, working into the top 4-6 inches where bulbs will be planted.

How Deep to Plant Tulip Bulbs

Proper planting depth is vital for replanted tulip bulbs to bloom successfully again:

• Large tulip bulbs should be planted 6-8 inches deep.

• Smaller bulbs can be planted shallower, around 4-6 inches deep.

• Measure depth from the basal plate on bottom of bulb, not the tip.

• In warmer climates, increase depth by 2 inches. Deeper planting helps protect bulbs from heat.

If bulbs are planted too shallow, they may sprout prematurely or freeze in cold climates. Too deep, and bulbs struggle to emerge.

Tulip Bulb Spacing

Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart when replanting. Dense spacing can inhibit airflow and light penetration.

For visual impact, plant bulbs in groups of at least 6, spacing groups 6-12 inches apart. Mix colors or stick with one hue.

Mark bulb locations with stakes or plant tags to remember where bulbs are buried.

Caring for Replanted Tulip Bulbs

Give bulbs a boost while they re-establish roots after replanting:

• Water thoroughly after planting and provide 1 inch of water weekly the first fall and spring if rainfall is lacking.

• Mulch beds with 2-3 inches of shredded leaves, wood chips or compost to insulate soil and reduce weeds.

• Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as plants emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes that encourage foliage over flowers.

• Remove faded flowers but leave foliage intact for 6 weeks after blooming so leaves can replenish the bulb.

Proper replanting and aftercare will have tulip bulbs flowering successfully for years to come!

Troubleshooting Replanted Tulips

If replanted tulip bulbs underperform, here are some common issues and solutions:

Problem: Tulips fail to emerge in spring.

Solution: Bulbs planted too deep. Replant shallower next season. Ensure drainage is adequate.

Problem: Tulips bloom the first year after replanting but not the next.

Solution: Natural decrease in bloom as bulbs age. Replant with new younger bulbs.

Problem: Foliage emerges but no flowers.

Solution: Insufficient chill time over winter or planted too shallow. Discard bulbs and replant new ones at proper depth after chilling.

Problem: Flowers undersized or distorted.

Solution: Indicates a virus infection. Discard infected bulbs immediately to prevent spreading.

With proper handling, storage, replanting and care, replenished tulip bulbs will flower reliably for years to come.