How To Induce Dormancy In Tulips?

Tulip bulbs are easy to grow and care for if properly prepared, timing, and following basic planting rules are followed. They should be planted in late fall before the first winter frost, as they lie dormant throughout the winter months before growing and blossoming in spring. To avoid waterlogging, plant bulbs in well-drained soil at a depth of two to three times their height.

Tulips can be annuals or perennials, with annuals needing replanting each year as they do not produce bulbs. Perennial tulips produce bulbs that regrow and go dormant early in summer rather than winter. The soil must be well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic, fertile, and dry or sandy. To force tulip bulbs into winter dormancy, place them in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 weeks. After blooming, allow the foliage to wither and die back, then dig the tulips up, clean off the soil, and let the bulbs dry. Discard any damaged bulbs.

In hot climates, storing tulips in a cold place like a refrigerator for 12-16 weeks can “trick” them into blooming. Water is especially important right after planting to ensure a strong root system before going into winter dormancy. In the spring, tulips need to go dormant during the summer, and watering them will cause them to rot and die. To keep them dry, keep them dry in the pot until chilling time.

One workaround is to dig up the bulbs and store them only after the tulips have bloomed and the foliage has completely died.