Tulip Bulb Planting & Care Instructions
Tulip Bulb Planting & Care Guide
Thank you for purchasing tulip bulbs from Estes Farm! With just a bit of care, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful spring blooms.
1️⃣ Give Them a Chill
Tulips need 12–16 weeks of cold before they’ll be ready to bloom.
If you’re not planting right away, store bulbs around 40°F — a spare fridge, basement, or unheated garage works well.
- Avoid overly humid areas.
- A little mold is normal! Simply wipe it off gently before planting.
2️⃣ Plant Before Christmas
You have plenty of time to plant, but aim to get all bulbs in the ground by Christmas.
This gives them time to root before the ground freezes.
3️⃣ Planting Depth & Location
Plant bulbs 6–8 inches deep, with a few inches of soil beneath for roots to spread.
They’ll thrive in:
- Garden beds
- Raised beds
- Containers or pots
Just make sure your container drains well.
4️⃣ Keep Them Hydrated
Tulips love moisture! Consistent water leads to strong stems and full blooms.
- Snowfall counts as water.
- If it’s a mild winter, deep water weekly until the ground freezes.
5️⃣ For Returning Blooms
If you want your tulips to return next year, let them bloom and fade naturally so the bulb can recharge.
If you prefer to cut the flowers to bring indoors, enjoy them — just know the bulb likely won’t bloom again the following spring.