Will tulips return every year?

Tulip perennialism hinges on winter chilling requirements and climate zone. Most varieties only consistently return in zones 3-7, where winters offer natural cold exposure. In warmer areas, a lack of chilling prevents bloom from blooming more than once. I consider tulips annuals for my zone 8 garden.

To achieve success year after year, you must meet the challenging requirements. Tulips, for instance, require 10-14 weeks at or below 45°F to reset their bloom cycle. Cold winters promote vernalization, the biochemical process behind rebloom. I monitor soil temps to verify exposure. Without sufficient chilling, bulbs will deplete their energy store.

Post-harvest care greatly affects return rates. I leave foliage for 6 weeks after flowering. Doing so allows the photosynthesis process to replenish the nutrients of the bulb. I use low-nitrogen fertilizer when leaves emerge. DO NOT cut or braid the foliage before it is finished dying back. If you damage the leaves of the plant, it detracts from the next year's buds forming & that puts on juicier bulbs.

Bulb energy reserves will decrease with every flowering cycle. A bulb that reblooms will get smaller flowers over time. I replace my tulips when the blooms get smaller than 50% of their original size. Darwin Hybrids generally keep their size retention better than other types of tulips. Even so, some decline should be expected over time, even with good care.

Read the full article: When to Plant Tulips for Spring Success