Tulips require a period of cold dormancy, known as vernalization, to grow tall and bloom beautifully. In colder regions, this process occurs naturally during winter. However, in warmer climates (Zones 7–11), winters often aren’t cold enough to trigger proper vernalization.
That’s where our pre-cooled tulip bulbs come in. Carefully chilled in our on-farm refrigeration units for 12-14 weeks, these bulbs are given the essential cold period they need to thrive before arriving at your garden.
Our founder also hand selects varieties that are better performers overall in warm weather climates. By replicating winter conditions, our bulbs arrive ready to plant and will give you robust root development, tall vigorous growth and stunning spring blooms!
In The Garden: With a shovel, dig out a hole about 6-12 inches deep. You can also use a bulb planter, but this can be very tedious if you have more than one or two dozen bulbs to plant. Tulips can be planted very close together, about an inch apart, pointed side up, nestled like eggs in a carton. In the garden, it’s nice to see clusters of tulips all together for the most dramatic impact. We recommend groupings of 10 to 20 bulbs planted in a circular shape or cluster. Once you have placed the bulbs in your planting hole, cover them with the soil you removed and some aged compost if desired.
In A Trench: Flower farmers or cutting garden enthusiasts growing tulips for cut flower production may want to plant using the trench method. Dig out a 3- to 4-foot-wide trench to a depth of 6 inches in your native soil. Set aside the soil you removed to cover the tulips after planting. Place the bulbs in the trench pointed side up, like eggs in a carton, about 1 inch apart. Fill the trench with bulbs and cover it with the native soil you removed.
In A Raised Bed or Pot: Similar to the other planting methods, remove the soil from the bed or pot to a depth of about 6-12 inches. Place the tulips pointed side up like eggs in a carton, one inch apart. Cover them with the removed soil or new potting soil.
Final Steps: Regardless of your planting method, after the bulbs are planted and covered, water them deeply. Continue to water weekly or bi-weekly if it does not rain.
Read more on our Blog → How To Plant Tulip Bulbs & How To Plant Tulip Bulbs In Pots or Containers
Absolutely! Pre-cooled bulbs thrive in pots, raised beds or the ground. Just be sure your container has good drainage and enough depth (8–10 inches).
In warm climates, tulips are usually treated as annuals. Most gardeners replant fresh new bulbs each fall season to enjoy a reliable flower production every spring.
Most varieties bloom for 2–4 weeks in spring. Planting a mix of early, mid and late-season tulips will give you color that lasts even longer.
Yes, we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about shipping, delivery, varieties, growing zones, planting times and more. You can find all the answers and an expanded list of questions in our convenient Help Center.
There’s nothing like stepping into you spring garden and being surrounded by waves of tall tulips. Pre-cooled bulbs make it easy to create that abundant, painterly look you’ve always dreamed of even in warm climate gardens.
“As a flower farmer, I rely on pre-cooled tulips to deliver consistent, reliable blooms at just the right time in my zone 9b farm. They’re the foundation of our spring harvests and the same bulbs I trust for my own garden and cut flower farm.”
— Felicia
There’s nothing like stepping into you spring garden and being surrounded by waves of tall tulips. Pre-cooled bulbs make it easy to create that abundant, painterly look you’ve always dreamed of even in warm climate gardens.
“As a flower farmer, I rely on pre-cooled tulips to deliver consistent, reliable blooms at just the right time in my zone 9b farm. They’re the foundation of our spring harvests and the same bulbs I trust for my own garden and cut flower farm.”
— Felicia
