Well, it sure isn’t like spring outdoors today – very wintery with snow and freezing rain and everything is cancelled for today, so these tulips make it feel more like spring. I guess March is coming in like a lion, as they say. But, at this time of year there is always a sea of potted tulips in grocery stores, department stores, hardware stores, and of course, nurseries.
With spring officially arriving this month I wanted to pick up some potted tulips for indoors and I found some at Walmart, of all places. The soil was completely dried out and crumbling to pieces, as their plants always seem to be, but I felt a strong desire to bring 4 of the potted plants home with me. The tulips already being further along in their life, I always like to preserve the blooms for as long as possible. Normally by keeping the plant as cool as possible and the soil slightly damp will help with that. I like to keep my potted tulips on a windowsill with the window cracked open ever so slightly, just enough to keep the window area cool without the cold winds at night killing the plant.
I planted them together in one large planter.
I have always discarded the plant after blooming has finished, but I am curious to see how well the tulip bulbs will do if I plant them in the garden this spring. I have read some articles that say they won’t bloom the following season, but will the next. Other sources say they can’t be planted outside after being forced to grow indoors. I guess it won’t hurt to plant them anyway and see what happens.
Gardening in the Lines 
We have planted out forced hyancinths and muscari. They flowered with smaller flowers every year afterwards.
I too have planted forced bulbs. My tulips have bloomed as have other spring bulbs! Good luck.
ah tulips. Spring is on its way. Pretty!
Last year I bought some potted tulips at the farmers market and planted them outdoors. I’m curious to see if they’ll come back this year along with the tulip bulbs I planted two autumns ago. This year someone gave me some paper whites to force indoors. I have been letting the foliage die back now that they’re done and will try saving the bulbs, probably to force inside next door. I don’t think I know anyone who actually grows them outdoors – strange!
Aimee, all the gardeners I know replant their tulips every year, or are resigned to declining populations and bloom. Most tulips are native to very different climates than we have in the States — hot dry summers, lots of sun and excellent drainage. That said, some bulb books recommend planting them deeply, perhaps as much as 8 inches deep for large bulbs to encourage the bulbs to bloom more and subdivide less.
I too am curious about whether they will grow. Smaller flowers are OK with me–I will just plant them closer and in a bigger quantity.
i miss growing tulips! i may try forcing some indoors here next fall. They’re so cheery no matter where you live or time of year you see them!!
Tulips…that’s our connection and why I took the photo today. However, as beautiful as they were, I decided not to buy any. I haven’t had much luck with them outdoors here in South Texas. Like you, I’m reworking my yard, starting with the front. I’m anxious to see what you come up with.
I hope you smile every time you see those pretty flowers blooming in your window.
Pretty!
I love tulips. they always brighten up a dull day
I enjoy your posts! As I am still in Illinois at my daughters, I am missing out on the early spring we are having in Oklahoma. My husband says everything is coming up nicely and the daffodils are in full bloom. I will see for myself, as I am flying home Monday. Can’t wait to get my fingers in the dirt! Keep on writing!