Skip to content
The Authority Suite
Sprout Authority
Tulip growing in a garden
Perennial ornamental

Tulip plant profile

Tulipa spp.

A perennial ornamental for full sun.

Last updated .

When to plant

When to plant Tulip

Plant tulip bulbs in fall, after the soil at planting depth has cooled below 60 F (often November into December). Tulips need a long cold period before spring bloom, so plant well before the ground freezes.

The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.

Open Tulip in my garden calendar

Shows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sun
Planting depth
6 in
Soil pH
6 to 7
Lifecycle
Perennial
Spacing
4 to 6 in apart

Common problems

Watch for these

Also watch for: failure to bloom, bulb rot, animal digging.

Next steps

Continue with Tulip

Evidence trail

Evidence behind this profile

Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.

  1. Spring-Flowering Bulbs (HGIC 1155)

    Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-11.

  2. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Tulip (Tulipa) entry

    ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.