Tulips are a beloved spring flower that bloom from large bulbs planted in fall. Their cheery cups come in almost every color and add delightful pops of color to spring beds and borders. To enjoy tulips year after year it’s essential to properly replant the bulbs after they bloom. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn when and how to successfully replant tulip bulbs.
When is the Best Time to Replant Tulip Bulbs?
Tulips follow a yearly cycle timed with the changing seasons:
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Spring – Tulips send up leaves and flowers The bulbs are actively growing
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Summer – Foliage and flowers die back as bulbs go dormant.
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Fall – The dormant period continues with no visible growth.
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Winter – Bulbs require the chill of winter before restarting the cycle in spring.
The ideal time to replant 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 the risk of frost damage
How to Dig Up and Store 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. This plate is needed for the bulb to re-sprout when replanted.
Rinse off any excess dirt clinging to bulbs. Allow bulbs to dry upside down in a shady spot for 2-3 days before storage.
After digging and drying, store bulbs in a cool, dry spot around 50-60°F like a garage or shed until ready to replant in fall. Place in paper bags or open crates with good airflow. Avoid plastic bags or containers that retain moisture.
Keep bulbs in complete darkness during storage to prevent premature sprouting. Check bulbs occasionally and remove any that show signs of rotting. Proper dry storage mimics natural dormancy and primes bulbs for re-bloom.
How to Select and Prepare Bulbs for Replanting
Inspect bulbs carefully and select large, firm ones free of rot to replant. Small, shriveled bulbs won’t have enough energy to re-bloom. Discard any with major damage.
Choose a site with well-drained soil and full sun to part shade exposure. Enrich soil with compost and loosen 10-12 inches deep for easy emergence.
How Deep and Far Apart to Replant Tulip Bulbs
Proper planting depth is key for flower success:
- Large bulbs: Plant 6-8 inches deep
- Small bulbs: Plant 4-6 inches deep
Measure depth from the basal plate, not the tip. Plant 2 inches deeper in warm climates. If bulbs are too shallow, they may sprout early or freeze. Too deep, and they struggle to emerge.
Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart for good airflow and light penetration. Plant in groups of 6+ bulbs for visual impact.
Aftercare for Replanted Tulip Bulbs
Give bulbs a boost after replanting:
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Water thoroughly after planting and as needed in fall and spring.
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Mulch beds to insulate soil and reduce weeds.
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Apply bulb fertilizer in early spring as growth starts.
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Remove faded flowers but leave foliage in place 6 weeks after blooming.
Troubleshooting Replanted Tulips
If replanted bulbs underperform, common issues include:
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No emergence: Planted too deep. Replant more shallowly.
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No repeat blooms: Natural decline with age. Replant with new young bulbs.
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Foliage but no flowers: Insufficient winter chill or too shallow. Replant at proper depth.
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Undersized/deformed blooms: Virus infection. Discard and sterilize tools.
Following proper techniques for replanting and care will have tulip bulbs flowering reliably for years to come!
Step-by-Step Guide to Replanting Tulip Bulbs
Follow these key steps when replanting tulip bulbs:
Dig Up Bulbs
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Allow foliage to die back fully after spring blooms are finished, usually 8-12 weeks.
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Dig bulbs gently, keeping roots intact. Rinse off excess dirt.
Dry and Store Bulbs
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Allow bulbs to dry upside down for 2-3 days in a shady spot.
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Place dried bulbs in paper bags or crates with good air circulation.
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Keep bulbs in a cool (50-60°F), dark, and dry spot for 2-3 months.
Select and Prepare Replanting Site
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Choose a spot with well-drained soil and full sun to part shade exposure.
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Enrich soil with compost and loosen 10-12 inches deep.
Replant Bulbs in Fall
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Replant large, healthy bulbs 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in early fall.
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Water thoroughly after replanting and as needed in fall and spring.
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Mulch beds with 2-3 inches of organic matter to insulate soil.
Care for Replanted Bulbs
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Apply bulb fertilizer when new growth emerges in spring.
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Remove faded blooms but leave foliage for 6 weeks after blooming.
Following this process will have your tulip bulbs flowering reliably for years to come. With the right care after blooming, you can enjoy gorgeous tulips in your spring garden season after season.
How to Plant Tulip Bulbs
FAQ
How do you replant tulip bulbs after they bloom?
How do I save my tulip bulbs for next year?
Can you leave tulip bulbs in the ground all year?
How do you replant tulips?
Here are our instructions for regrowing your tulips in two different ways: in soiland hydroponically. How to Replant Tulips Bulbs in Soil After your bulbs have finished flowering the first time, clip the dead flower off the stem, and let the remaining foliage die off while maintaining water level in the glass vase.
Can you dig up tulip bulbs?
Many gardeners dig up tulip bulbs each year and plant new ones, but if your tulips bloom poorly the first year moving and replanting them may improve blooms for the following year. Dig around the tulip bulbs with your spade, being careful not to hit or nick the bulbs. Slide the spade under the bulbs and lift them out of the soil.
When to replant tulip bulbs?
With the right care and attention, tulip bulbs can continue to bloom year after year, adding beauty and color to any space. Knowing when to replant tulip bulbs is essential to ensure a bountiful and beautiful display of tulips in your garden. Typically, tulip bulbs should be replanted every two to three years.
When should tulips be transplanted?
Tulips should be transplanted in the fall, once the foliage has died back. You should wait until any danger of frost has passed in your area and the soil has warmed. Dig up the bulbs and separate them gently. Replant the bulbs four to six inches deep and about six inches apart, making sure the pointy side of the bulb is facing up.
How do you replant bulbs?
When transplanting, it is important to carefully dig up the bulbs and replant them in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. This will help ensure that the bulbs get the proper nutrients and water they need to thrive. It is also important to make sure that the soil is not overly wet or dry, as this can cause the bulbs to rot or fail to grow.
How do you plant tulip bulbs?
Dig around the tulip bulbs with your spade, being careful not to hit or nick the bulbs. Place each bulb in a hole and cover with soil, firming it lightly around the remaining leaves on the tulip. Water the bed thoroughly. Cover with a 2-inch layer of organic mulch and keep the soil moist until the first frost.