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Tulip Bulbs Question
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Posted by daisyb 8 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 17, 10 at 20:51
| I was given 70 longstemmed mixed tulip bulbs before Christmas. When I started to plant them in November, I read in the instructions that in my zone #8 they would need to be pre-chilled 6-8 weeks before planting. I put them in the refrigerator and with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I didn't get them planted. We have already had some low 20's temps; however, the forecast for the next couple of weeks is for warmer weather (60's in day - high 30's and 40's at night). I will be planting them in a raised bed that has soft topsoil and compost. Should I plant them now or can I wait until Spring? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Tulip Bulbs Question
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| Plant them now! they need plenty of time to grow roots before trying to bloom. Kevin : ) |
RE: Tulip Bulbs Question
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| Thank you tugbrethil for your advice. I planted them this afternoon. Upon reading the instructions once again, it stated that they could be planted as late as December, so I'm not as late as I thought. |
RE: Tulip Bulbs Question
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| As long as you planted them as deep as recommended (6-8 inches) they should be fine. Hope the compost was well-rotted, tulips don't get along well with anything actively rotting because they are vulnerable to fungus and bacteria. Usually bonemeal is the fertilizer of choice. You should water them if the ground is dry and it's well above freezing - they need water to make roots. |
RE: Tulip Bulbs Question
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| Tulips appreciate cool weather and the bloom will last much longer on the plant. They do best when planted in the full sun, and should complete their bloom cycle before the weather warms up. Your raised bed sounds like an ideal location. Al |
RE: Tulip Bulbs Question
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| I agree with the other posts to plant them now. I've also read different things about bulbs being stored in refrigerators; because if they're too close to some types of produce, that could be damaging to the bulb. However, I hope that wasn't the case with yours. |
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