Saturday, November 14, 2009

When can I replant Easter tulip bulbs? I live in NJ.?

I rec'd a potted tulip for Easter. The flowers have already died and I've cut them off. When can I safely plant the bulbs in the ground? I live in southern NJ.

When can I replant Easter tulip bulbs? I live in NJ.?
Now should be fine.
Reply:Best thing is to let the tops die back, then remove the bulbs from the soil, store in a cool dry dark place and plant in the fall.
Reply:cool place is nice, cold place is better..... read here...





http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bulbs-709/Sto...





"Plant them in a flower pot or the box outdoors, but keep them watered and fed (fertilizer). Let the foliage stay green for as long as possible and give full sun. That will allow the bulb to photosynthesize, e.g. convert sun energy into plant energy which will ensure next year's bloom. If you have not already done so, deadhead (cut end of flower stems off) but let the leaves stay. the longer you can grow the leaves green, the better.





Once the foliage start to yellow and wither (mature) you should stop watering. after the foliage is completely brown and crisp, you can tuck it off.





Wash the bulbs and store them dry and cool. The crisper drawer of the fridge is the best place, but keep ripening fruit, and fresh cut flowers, out of the fridge for the period (or atleast out of the drawer). Store them in a ventilated bag, such as an old onion sack or a panty hose.





In fall, water the weather cools, plant the bulbs 6-8" deep and they should flower for you again. You can also keep the bulbs in the fridge, and plant them next spring in large pots (gallon or larger). Put the pot outdoors in late winter/early spring in a sheltered position. The bulbs need to be planted and continuing cooling. The bulbs need a cooling period while planted to flower. If not you will get foliage, but no flowers.





Note: tulips are somewhat poor perennializers. not all will return. Most people treat them as annuals although I have had good experiences with repeats. Just remember to let the foliage die back naturally while fertilizing and watering for as long as it wants. Remember also that tulips need 15-18 weeks of PLANTED cool treatment at steady temperatures. "


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