Do you love tulips but don’t want to plant and wait for the bulbs to bloom in the spring? What if we told you there was an easier and faster way to enjoy tulips before they would grow naturally outside?
You can start the season quickly if you don’t have a green thumb or are impatient. Just put tulips in a vase of water and bring them inside.
Tulips are one of the most iconic spring flowers. Known for their gorgeous cup-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, white and purple, they are a true sign that the warmer weather is coming. Traditionally tulips are planted outdoors in flower beds and borders. But did you know you can also grow tulips indoors in glass vases? This unique way to grow tulips is affordable, easy, and makes a gorgeous display in any home.
Why Grow Tulips in Glass Vases?
There are many benefits to growing tulips in glass:
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It allows you to enjoy their beauty indoors. The glass vase elegantly displays the tulips and elevates any tabletop or shelf.
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You can watch the fascinating process as bulbs sprout roots and send up leaves and blooms It’s an up-close look at nature’s miracles
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It works for those who don’t have outdoor garden space Apartment dwellers can easily grow tulips inside
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It’s very affordable Bulbs and a glass vase are cheap to purchase No need for pots, soil, or other typical gardening supplies.
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Tulips make excellent gifts. A vase full of blooms is a thoughtful present for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc.
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Kids love watching bulbs transform and will learn about plant growth. It’s an educational activity.
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You can enjoy tulips year-round by staggering planting times.
Selecting Bulbs and Vases for Indoor Tulip Growing
Growing tulips in water requires just two main supplies – bulbs and a glass vase. Here are some tips for choosing these items:
Tulip Bulbs
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Purchase large, firm bulbs that feel heavy for their size. Avoid bulbs that are shriveled or mushy.
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Choose bulbs that are variety labeled specifically for indoor forcing. Many tulips sold for outdoor beds won’t grow well indoors.
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For the best selection, order bulbs from online retailers that specialize in flowering bulbs.
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Mix colors and bloom times. For continuous blooms, plant early, mid, and late season tulips together.
Glass Vases
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Select sturdy, hand-blown glass vases with interesting shapes. Cylinder vases work well.
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Vases should be tall enough to support the tulip stem’s full height, about 16-24 inches. But they don’t need to be extra deep.
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Clear glass vases offer the best bulb viewing. Colored or frosted glass hides the roots.
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For large, dramatic displays use oversized floor vases. Smaller tabletop versions work well for gifts.
Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Tulips in Water
The process of forcing tulips in glass vases is simple but does require some patience. Follow these steps for success:
1. Fill Vase
Place decorative rocks, marbles, or pebbles in the bottom of the vase. This will help anchor the bulbs. Then fill the vase about 2/3 full with room temperature water. Tap water is fine.
2. Add Bulbs
Place tulip bulbs on top of the rocks, pointed end up. Arrange them creatively, playing with heights and spacing. Fit as many bulbs in the vase as desired, but leave 1-2 inches between bulbs and vase sides.
3. Chill Bulbs
Move vase to a cool, dark place like a garage or basement for 4-6 weeks. This cold period tricks the bulbs into thinking they overwintered. Keep water level topped off during this chilling period.
4. Watch Growth
After chilling, move the vase to a well-lit indoor spot with temperatures around 60-70°F. Sunny window sills work perfectly. Check daily and you’ll see sprouts emerge from bulbs.
5. Enjoy Blooms
It takes 3-5 weeks after moving to a warm spot for tulip blooms to fully open. Once flowers reach their peak, display the vase prominently. Tulips last 7-10 days in water. When blooms fade, simply compost plants.
6. Stagger Plantings
To get continual blooms, plant new tulip vases every 2-3 weeks. Chill each new batch as desired then set out for flowering as prior batches finish.
Tips for Growing Healthy Tulips in Vases
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Use clean vases and change water weekly to prevent bacteria buildup. Trim roots if they get too long.
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Keep water levels topped off but don’t submerge bulbs. Tulips dislike soggy soils and bulbs.
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Turn vases occasionally so all sides get sunlight. Tulips grow towards light.
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Keep indoor temperatures cool, around 60°F at night and 65-70°F during the day.
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Once sprouted, you can gently fertilize withdiluted liquid fertilizer to nourish plants.
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Monitor for insects like aphids. Remove any pests with insecticidal soap and a soft cloth.
Troubleshooting Issues with Indoor Tulips
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Leggy stems – Insufficient light, turn vase to face sunlight.
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Drooping leaves – Underwatered, top off the vase with fresh water.
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Yellow leaves – Overwatered, change water and trim rotten roots.
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No blooms – Insufficient chilling, old bulbs, or improper variety. Start over.
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Moldy bulbs – Water is too deep, dry out bulbs in a well ventilated area.
Creative Ways to Use Tulips in Vases
Beyond the basic glass vase and bulb approach, there are many fun ways to display forced tulips indoors:
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Arrange tulips in canning jars, liquor bottles, or bud vases for gifts.
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Mix tulips with hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring bulbs.
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For parties, float candle holders in vases for a beautiful glowing centerpiece.
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Place forced tulip vases in pretty plant stand planters or urns.
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Surround vases with moss, rocks, pine cones and other decorative elements.
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Look for unique vases like blown glass, ceramic shoes, or miniature greenhouses.
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Give kids mini vases so they can grow their own tulips.
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Mass display 20+ vases on a bar or buffet for big visual impact.
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Pair white tulips with Easter eggs in glass jars for gorgeous spring decor.
The Benefits of Tulips Grown in Glass Vases
Growing tulips indoors in vases is an easy, inexpensive, and rewarding activity. It allows you to enjoy the beauty of tulip flowers year round. There’s something magical about watching roots and sprouts emerge from dry bulbs.
The transparency of glass vases provides a fascinating look at the growing process. And the result is a stunning floral display that you created yourself using just bulbs, water, and sunlight.
Forced tulips make excellent gifts and let anyone join in the gardening fun, even those without outdoor space. Simply grab some bulbs and vases to start cultivating springtime indoors.
How do you grow tulips in a vase?
In autumn, choose large tulip bulbs from your garden centre, grocery store, or flower shop. The larger the bulb, the bigger the bloom. Pass on discount, smaller bulbs. You will not be happy with the results.
Remember, bulbs need a specific amount of cold-sleepy time. Most tulips need between 12-15 weeks. The cold-sleepy time will be listed on the bulb package. Each variety can vary. You can buy your bulbs and then place them in your refrigerator or this amount of time. Keep them away from apples though. The gas emitted from fruit like apples will prevent them from blooming. So a garage fridge is a great option. Always chill for the recommended time and never less, as this will result in zero blooms.
Arrange beads and bulbs
Now that your bulbs have been chilled the minimum amount of time, take them out of the fridge. Gather together a tall vase, some glass beads and your bulbs. Place a handful or two of glass beads in your glass vase. Arrange the bulbs, pointed side up, on top of the glass beads. Place another handful or two of additional glass beads around the bulbs.
Photography: David Wheeler / aremediasyndication.com.au
Terri O grows spring bulbs indoors
FAQ
How to care for tulip bulbs in a glass vase?
What to do with tulips after they bloom in a glass vase?
How long do tulips with bulbs last in a vase?
Can you replant tulip bulbs after they bloom?
How do you put tulips in glass vases?
Now you can placed tulips in glass vases. Gather together a tall vase, some glass beads and your bulbs. Place a handful or two of glass beads in your glass vase. Arrange the bulbs, pointed side up, on top of the glass beads.
Which vase is best for tulip bulbs?
A taller vase is ideal for long-stemmed tulip varieties, while a wider vase can accommodate multiple bulbs. Material: Vases come in various materials, such as glass, ceramic, or metal. Glass vases are popular as they allow you to observe the water level and bulb growth.
How do I choose a tulip vase?
It’s important to leave enough space between the bulbs for proper airflow and growth. Additionally, consider the desired height and shape of the arrangement. A taller vase is ideal for long-stemmed tulip varieties, while a wider vase can accommodate multiple bulbs. Material: Vases come in various materials, such as glass, ceramic, or metal.
Can tulips grow in glass pots?
For growing tulips indoors in glass pots, growing tulips in water can be an interesting alternative to traditional indoor gardening methods. Bulbs should be chilled for a few weeks before planting. Choose a small glass vase filled with beads or stones, or buy a forced vase.
