Tulip Vernalization for Flowering

January 8, 2019

Hybrid tulips are a classic example of a plant that requires vernalization, as the bulbs will not produce a flower bud until they have been chilled for 8 to 10 weeks at about 45°F (7°C), then exposed to warmer temperatures.

Want to plant tulips in a climate with warm winters? You’ll need to buy pre-chilled bulbs and re-plant new bulbs each fall.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck

You can sometimes get away with chilling small quantities of tulip bulbs in your refrigerator before you plant them, but ethylene from the produce in your fridge can interrupt the vernalization and flower bud development.

Gardening Under Lights Book

Back to top

Tips in your inbox

E-Newsletter

Sign up for my monthly Halleck Horticultural newsletter for information about my horticulture courses and learning opportunities, plant and gardening information, and hort news. You can also sign up for my weekly Plant for Profits horticulture business newsletter.