Tulips: Planting, Care & Tips for Repeat Blooms

Hybrid tulips offer a kaleidoscope of colors—bright shades, pastels, near-black—and forms from classic egg-shaped to lily- and peony-flowered. Bloom runs mid- to late spring. Most need prolonged winter chill for best performance; even in cold zones, they often decline after year one.

Encouraging Return Blooms

• Feed with nitrogen fertilizer before bloom.
• Allow foliage to yellow and wither fully before removing.
• In mild climates, refrigerate bulbs 6 weeks pre-plant and treat as annuals.

Planting

• When: Fall.
• Depth: Three times bulb width.
• Spacing: 4–8 inches apart, depending on mature size.

Zones: 1–24, 28–45. Light: Full sun. Water: Regular during growth and bloom.