Sprouting Tulip bulbs

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by fat_taff, Feb 12, 2013.

  1. fat_taff

    fat_taff Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi Guys

    I bought some tulip bulbs for Spring planting a few weeks ago but because of the weather I haven't been able to get them in the ground.

    I checked on them tonight and they're sprouting. Is this a problem and can I still plant them out?
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    I would plant them now asap, at least you are giving them a chance.
     
  3. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Get them in the ground or plant in a pot in the greenhouse
     
  4. Palustris

    Palustris Total Gardener

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    We have often bought sprouting Tulip bulbs from G/c's about now, usually for next to nothing. Planted in either pots or in the garden they have done well. Don't wait too long though.
     
  5. HarryS

    HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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    I always plant my Tulips November -December , so it's OK to plant them until mid February ?
     
  6. fat_taff

    fat_taff Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks all. I'll get them in some tubs this week.
     
  7. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Not really! They may flower OK this year, because the bud was already formed in the bulb, but it takes a lot out of them hanging around that long, so they may not do well next year. So best to plant in the Autumn

    But ... as a cheap way of bulking up for the long term I often buy bulbs late / very late (provided the bulbs are still plump-ish) and not worry about any poor performance in the short term. If I saw bulbs, dirt cheap, that were still plump-ish I'd buy them now :)

    If you find any unplanted bulbs in the cupboard then chuck em in. They've got two chances! and leaving them until next Autumn before planting will almost certainly use up all their remaining stored energy and thus they won't make it.

    But not snowdrops. They won't survive "dry" for long, sadly :(
     
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