Tulip Test Gardens

Planting Instructions for Warmer Regions
Zones 8-11
(Remember these Important Dates)

 

If you live in Zone 8, 9, 10 or 11 (California or one of the Gulf States), you may need to refrigerate, or "pre-chill" your Red Emperor tulip bulbs to force dormancy.Consult a "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map."

Why refrigerate the bulbs?
Tulips are specialized plants that require a change of seasons and a cold period to grow. Since temperatures in your region may not meet this cold temperature requirement (40-45°F for 6 weeks), your tulips may not grow properly. Therefore, you must refrigerate your bulbs to force dormancy.

   

How to refrigerate your bulbs:
You must refrigerate ("cold treat") your bulbs at 40-45°F degrees for at least 6 weeks in order to force dormancy. This means your bulbs must be in the refrigerator by mid November to be ready for planting the first week of January. Place the bulbs in a brown paper bag. If possible, put them in peat and keep them moist, but not wet. Do not remove them until you are ready to plant.

Important: Do not store fruit in your refrigerator at the same time with tulips. Apples and other fruits give off ethylene gas, a natural by-product of ripening fruit. This gas could kill or delay the flower buds.

 
When to Plant Your Tulips: The first week of January.
All gardens in warm regions (Zones 8-11) should be planted during the first week of January. This time has been set in order to standardize our experiment. However, if your local nursery advises other planting dates for your region, please contact us.		  
   
How to Report:
After your bulbs have been pre-chilled for at least 6 weeks you can plant them. Report to Journey North after planting and see your garden spot appear on the tulip garden map.
Report in - click on the Sightings button - with the date you planted your garden.
   
IMPORTANT: Remember these dates!
   

Back to: Planting Instructions

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