JANUARY 19 2024 ROWENA MCDERMOTT, Owner of Moonstruck Farms has been growing in Southern California for over 30 years.
What Are Prechilled Tulip Bulbs?
Prechilled tulips are tulip bulbs that have been chilled at 42 - 44 degrees, mimicking the initial Winter chill hours that tulips require for a full-size bloom.
This pre chilling process allows gardeners in warmer zones 8-10 to grow gorgeous tulips that would otherwise struggle to bloom without the necessary chilling period that is naturally provided in cold winter gardening zones.
Why You Should Consider Purchasing Prechilled Bulbs?
By purchasing prechilled bulbs, you can skip the lengthy chilling process and ensure that your tulips receive the required amount of chill hours.
This means that you can enjoy beautiful tulips even in regions with milder winters like gardening zones 8-10.
All you have to do is provide them with a four-week period of rooting in cool temperatures. If your weather is not cooperating then a refrigerator will do.
How To Root Prechilled Tulip Bulbs Outdoors?
If your outdoor temperatures are still dropping into the 40s or lower at night, you can plant the bulbs directly in your garden once they arrive.
However, if the temperatures are not ideal, you can mimic the cool conditions by using a refrigerator.
How to Root Prechilled Tulip Bulbs in a Refrigerator?
When using a refrigerator, make sure it is free of any ethylene gas-producing fruits such as apples or bananas.
Ethylene gas can negatively affect the development of the tulip bulbs.
Plant the bulbs in a pot in soil and place in the refrigerator until a strong root system has developed approximately three to four weeks.
When and Where to Plant the Rooted Tulip Bulbs?
Once the tulip bulbs have developed a sufficient root system, and the temperatures rise into the 60s and 70s, it's time to plant them in your desired location.
Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade, and has well-draining soil.
Plant the tulip bulbs at a depth of about 6-8 inches, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 4-6 inches apart to allow them enough room to grow and bloom.
After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to help them settle in.
What to expect from your prechilled tulips?
With proper care and the advantage of prechilled bulbs, you can look forward to enjoying beautiful tulips in your garden. The vibrant colors and elegant blooms will add a touch of beauty and charm to your outdoor space.
Remember to provide regular water to your tulips, especially during dry spells.
Once the flowers have bloomed and the petals start to fade, you can remove the flower heads to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production.
Allow the foliage to wither naturally before cutting it back.
By following these steps and utilizing prechilled tulip bulbs, you can successfully grow stunning tulips even in regions with milder climates.
Popular Varieties of Prechilled Tulips
All tulips are beautiful, but some varieties of tulip are favored for particular traits and rarity.
Some of the most popular tulip varieties are the:
At Fables, A Bulb and Seed Company, we typically stock all of these varieties and more.
Get Started Beautifying Your Garden
To enjoy the beauty of these iconic flowers and enhance your garden with their vibrant colors, visit our store at www.fablesbulbsandseeds.com.