Can I plant grocery store tulip bulbs?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Tulip bulbs from the grocery store can be problematic for gardeners. These bulbs are generally forced into bloom during the holidays and are exhausted of energy. I have planted them outside in the past with inconsistency. Seemingly, it can work in cooler zones, but they take a long time to recharge before they bloom again. Their actual commercial bulb preparation is noticeably different than the nursery bulb preparation.
Zone 3-7 Approach
- Plant immediately after foliage yellows in spring
- Apply bulb fertilizer during fall root development
- Protect with winter mulch for insulation
Transition Zone Method
- Refrigerate bulbs 12 weeks before fall planting
- Plant 1-2 inches deeper than standard depth
- Water sparingly until spring emergence
Warm Zone Limitations
- Treat as annuals without expectation of return
- Compost bulbs after indoor display ends
- Purchase nursery bulbs for reliable performance
Energy depletion is the foremost issue with store-bought bulbs. Forcing depletes the carbohydrate reserves required for future growth. When the bulbs are dormant and recovering, I feed them a phosphorus-rich fertilizer in the fall. The first year will show small foliage and no flowers. The basal plate must be regenerated before new growth occurs.
Even bulbs that have reached exhaustion still have vernalization requirements. Grocery tulips still need to undergo 12-14 weeks at a temperature below 45°F to reset their cycle. I place them in a paper bag and refrigerate them until I'm ready to plant in the fall. If the proper chilling time isn't satisfied, the bulbs will never flower again. They should have experienced the winter dormancy while being forced.
Stressed bulbs purchased from the store will have an increased disease risk.Check for mold or soft spots before planting. I do soak all formula bulbs in a fungicide solution before planting as a preventive measure. Do not place bulbs anywhere near areas with pollution that could harm healthy tulip groups. You can also compost bulbs that display any signs of rot, rather than passing them to the garden area.
Realistic expectations provide a safeguard against disappointment. Even when provided with the best care, bulbs purchased from a store will exhibit smaller flowers. I typically place store-bought bulbs in secondary areas of the garden rather than the prime planting beds. The size of their flowers will usually be only 60-70% of what nursery-bought bulbs are after they have recovered. In the first season, don't worry about the flowers; focus on the foliage while the bulbs replenish their energy reserves.
Read the full article: When to Plant Tulips for Spring Success
