When Are Tulips Separated?

Tulip bulbs are a popular perennial plant in Michigan, but they can be divided when the foliage dies back naturally in autumn. This is because the bulbs need that foliage to store up energy for next year’s growth. When a crocus starts blooming less, it’s likely becoming overcrowded by smaller offshoots in need of dividing. Wait until the foliage dies back in late summer and divide the bulbs as soon as the leaves have died.

Tulips should generally be planted in the fall, with cool-zone gardeners planting them as early as September and warmer zone gardeners as late as December. The best time to divide tulip bulbs is as soon as the leaves have died, dig up the bulbs, break them apart, and replant them at a depth of around 3 inches. To give them room to grow, divide them every three to five years.

The best time to divide bulbs is after the bloom has ended and the foliage starts to die back. Divide your bulbs before they start to decline, as every three to five years should give you enough new bulbs to keep your patch in bloom. Dig up the bulbs and break them apart, replanting at a depth of around 3 inches.

Tulip bulbs divide by growing miniature bulbs from their root systems. As the bulbs or offshoots begin to yellow, it’s okay to dig when 2/3s of the foliage has yellowed. A garden “fork” has less yellowing than a garden fork.