Mulch: While not required, mulching with a layer of chopped straw, chopped leaves, or pine bark 2–4' deep can be helpful for preserving moisture, cooling the soil, and deterring weeds. Thereafter, normal rainfall should suffice in all but the driest climates. Planting each bulb at the same depth will help ensure that they all bloom at the same time. As a rule of thumb, planting a bit too deep is better than planting too shallow. For example, a 1½' tall bulb should be covered with 4–5' of soil. Cover bulbs with soil 2½–3 times deeper than the bulb height, or deeper in locations with light soil. Press bulbs, upright, into the prepared soil (with the pointed end up and the fatter, flat end down). Adding a layer of compost to the root zone at planting will also aid in root establishment and plant growth. Planting Bulbs: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–12' to help ensure adequate root establishment. In Zones 9–10, because chilling does not naturally occur, bulbs will only bloom once, in the spring following planting of prechilled bulbs.

Once bulbs have been chilled, plant them immediately, at the coolest time of the year. Be careful not to store bulbs near fruit, especially apples. To prechill, leave bulbs in their bags and place in a refrigerator for up to 12 weeks.

If you are located in Zones 8–10, you will need to prechill your bulbs at 38–45☏ (3–7☌), for 6–12 weeks before planting. Johnny's does not currently offer prechilled bulbs. Note on Tulips in Hardiness Zones 8–10: Chilling during the bulb's dormant period is required for flower development. Temperatures of 38–65☏ (3–18☌) are fine the cooler the better, but do not freeze your bulbs. You can alternatively store your bulbs in the refrigerator crisper drawer, but do not store them with ripening fruits ethylene gas released by ripening apples and other fruits can cause the flower inside the bulb to abort or incompletely form. Open all bags and boxes and place bulbs in a cool, dark, dry area (such as a root cellar, basement or garage), with good air circulation. Store Bulbs if you can't plant right away: If you cannot plant right away, you can store bulbs for up to a month by following these steps. Planting about 5-6 weeks before the ground freezes allows the bulbs sufficient time for root development. SOWING: Bulbs should be planted soon after arrival (or immediately after pre-chilling) and when the soil has cooled to 55☏ (13☌) or cooler, and nighttime temperatures consistently drop to 40–50☏ (4–10☌) but before the ground freezes. DAYS TO GERMINATION: Plant bulbs in the fall for spring blooms.

Tulip flaming margarita