Tulips are not blooming - Ask Extension
For the 2nd year in a row, my tulips have not bloomed. The leaves do appear, but they do not flower. The bulbs have probably been in the ground fo...
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Tulips are not blooming #867239
Asked May 06, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
For the 2nd year in a row, my tulips have not bloomed. The leaves do appear, but they do not flower. The bulbs have probably been in the ground for about 4-5 years. The first 2 years they bloomed beautifully. Should I dig them up? What should I do with them? Refrigerate and try again next year or are they trash?
Thank you for your assistance. We live in Westminster, CO
Adams County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Tulips generally come with energy in their bulbs to bloom well for several seasons. Leaving the leaves on until they brown can help extend this for more years. Fertilizing lightly after bloom has ended can also help extend the bloom. If you're getting leaves and no blooms you may add some fertilizer and see if that helps. You could also dig the bulbs and see if the tulips have multiplied and re-plant. If you go for this last option it may be several years before the tulips gain enough energy to bloom again, but they likely will eventually. Let me know if you have additional questions!
Thank you for your question. Tulips generally come with energy in their bulbs to bloom well for several seasons. Leaving the leaves on until they brown can help extend this for more years. Fertilizing lightly after bloom has ended can also help extend the bloom. If you're getting leaves and no blooms you may add some fertilizer and see if that helps. You could also dig the bulbs and see if the tulips have multiplied and re-plant. If you go for this last option it may be several years before the tulips gain enough energy to bloom again, but they likely will eventually. Let me know if you have additional questions!
