Tulips are deliberately planted later than other spring bulbs — the extra cold is what keeps a common disease at bay.
Tulips are planted later in the year than other spring bulbs, since the extra cold exposure helps prevent tulip fire disease. In wetter gardens they’re often lifted and dried each year rather than left in the ground, where they’re prone to rotting.
Sowing & growing calendar
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | Plant in November | |||||||||||
| Job | Job in April | Job in May | Job in June |
Care details
- Job April – May
Deadhead once flowers fade but leave the foliage to die back naturally, feeding the bulb for next year.
- Job In June
In wetter gardens, lift and dry bulbs once foliage yellows rather than leaving them in the ground.
- Plant In November
Plant later than other spring bulbs — the cold snap helps prevent tulip fire disease.
Growing tips & common problems
- Plant in November or later rather than alongside other bulbs, to reduce the risk of tulip fire disease.
- Lift and dry bulbs after flowering in wetter gardens, where they're prone to rotting if left in the ground.
- Choose a well-drained, sunny spot — soggy winter soil is the most common reason tulips fail to return.
Grows well with
Personalise your own weekend list →Become a better gardener in just 12 emails
Get one email per month with gardening tips on what to plant and do that month.
100% free • No spam • Unsubscribe any time