Growing Tulips in December: Tips and Advice for Winter Planting

Tulips are one of the most iconic and beloved spring flowers, known for their vibrant colors and elegant shapes. While tulip bulbs are typically planted in the fall, it’s still possible to plant them in December and enjoy a stunning display of blooms in the spring. If you’ve missed the traditional fall planting window, don’t worry—tulips are hardy and can thrive even when planted in colder months.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of planting tulip bulbs in December, covering tips for soil preparation, winter care, and advice for ensuring a beautiful bloom in the spring.

Why Plant Tulip Bulbs in December?

While tulips are usually planted in late fall (September to November), it’s still possible to plant them as late as December—especially if you live in a region with mild winters or if you experience a delayed start to winter weather. Planting tulip bulbs in December can still result in a beautiful spring display, as long as the bulbs have time to establish roots before the ground freezes completely.

The cold weather will not harm tulip bulbs—in fact, tulips require a period of chilling to trigger the blooming process. By planting in December, the bulbs will have just enough time to root, and you can still expect a gorgeous bloom in spring.

Benefits of Planting Tulips in December:

Late Planting Opportunity: If you missed the fall planting window, December is your last chance to plant tulip bulbs and still enjoy a spring display.
Cold Tolerance: Tulip bulbs are hardy and require cold temperatures to bloom, making winter planting possible in many climates.
Spring Bloom: With proper care, tulips planted in December can bloom beautifully in April or May, just like those planted earlier in the fall.
Low Maintenance: Once planted, tulips require little care during the winter, making them an easy addition to any garden.

Choosing the Right Tulip Varieties for Winter Planting

There are hundreds of tulip varieties to choose from, each offering different colors, shapes, and bloom times. When selecting tulip bulbs to plant in December, it’s important to choose varieties that are known for their hardiness and ability to bloom even after a late planting.

Popular Tulip Varieties for December Planting:

Darwin Hybrid Tulips: Known for their large blooms and strong stems, Darwin Hybrid tulips are one of the best choices for late planting. They are reliable and bloom mid-spring, producing long-lasting flowers in a range of vibrant colors.
Single Late Tulips: These tulips bloom later in the season, making them a great option for December planting. Their tall stems and large, cup-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, and they perform well even in colder climates.
Triumph Tulips: A classic tulip variety, Triumph tulips bloom in mid-spring and are known for their wide range of colors and sturdy stems. They are well-suited for planting in December and are often used in both garden beds and cut flower arrangements.
Parrot Tulips: If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Parrot tulips are a striking variety with frilled and ruffled petals in bold colors. These tulips bloom in mid to late spring, making them ideal for winter planting.
Fosteriana Tulips: Known for their early blooms and large, open flowers, Fosteriana tulips are excellent for planting in December. They can withstand cold weather and produce blooms as early as late March or early April.

When selecting tulip bulbs, make sure they are firm and healthy, without signs of mold or softness. Larger bulbs typically produce bigger, stronger flowers, so opt for high-quality bulbs whenever possible.

Preparing the Soil for Tulips

Tulips prefer well-drained, fertile soil. While tulip bulbs are hardy and can survive cold temperatures, they are susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. Proper soil preparation is essential to ensure the bulbs establish healthy roots during the winter.

Steps for Preparing the Soil:

Choose the Right Location: Tulips thrive in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. While they can tolerate partial shade, tulips bloom best in sunny spots.
Test the Soil: Tulips prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If needed, amend your soil to adjust the pH. You can add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
Improve Drainage: Well-drained soil is essential for tulips to prevent bulb rot. If your soil is heavy clay or tends to hold water, improve drainage by mixing in compost, sand, or peat moss. Planting in raised beds can also help with drainage.
Fertilize the Soil: Before planting, work in a balanced fertilizer or bone meal to provide the tulip bulbs with essential nutrients. This will help the bulbs establish strong roots over the winter.

How to Plant Tulip Bulbs in December

Planting tulip bulbs in December is similar to planting in the fall, but you need to make sure the ground is not frozen solid when planting. If the soil is workable, it’s not too late to plant.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Tulip Bulbs:

Dig the Holes: Dig planting holes that are 15-20cm (6-8 inches) deep. This depth helps protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures and ensures they develop strong roots. Space the bulbs 10-15cm (4-6 inches) apart to give them room to grow.
Place the Bulbs: Place each tulip bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up and the flat or root end facing down. Planting the bulbs at the correct depth and orientation is essential for healthy growth.
Cover with Soil: Gently cover the bulbs with soil, firming it down lightly to remove any air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil too much, as this can impede drainage.
Water: Water the bulbs after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root growth. In most cases, rainfall during the winter will provide enough moisture, but if the weather is dry, water lightly as needed.

Caring for Tulips Through Winter

Once your tulip bulbs are planted, they require minimal care during the winter. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they thrive in the cold months and bloom beautifully in the spring.

Mulching

Applying a layer of mulch over your tulip bulbs helps insulate the soil and protects the bulbs from extreme cold. Use straw, compost, or shredded leaves to create a mulch layer that’s about 5-7cm (2-3 inches) thick. Mulching also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering

Tulip bulbs don’t need much water during the winter, as they will naturally receive moisture from rain or snow. However, if you experience a dry winter, check the soil and water lightly to keep it moist, but not soggy.

Protecting From Frost

Tulips are naturally cold-hardy, but in regions where temperatures drop significantly below freezing, you may want to provide extra protection. Cover the planting area with a thick layer of mulch or use garden fleece if extreme frost is expected.

Fertilizing in Early Spring

As soon as you see the first shoots emerging from the ground in early spring, it’s time to start fertilizing. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or bulb-specific fertilizer around the base of the plants to give them a boost of nutrients for flowering. Avoid applying fertilizer directly on the bulbs, as this can cause burning.

Caring for Tulips After Blooming

Once your tulips have bloomed in the spring, it’s important to care for the plants to ensure they return next year.

Deadheading

Once the flowers fade, deadhead the spent blooms by cutting off the flower stems. This helps the plant focus its energy on storing nutrients in the bulb for next year’s growth rather than producing seeds.

Let the Leaves Die Back Naturally

After blooming, allow the tulip leaves to remain on the plant until they turn yellow and die back naturally. The leaves help feed the bulb, storing energy for the next growing season. Do not cut the foliage back until it has fully withered.

Dividing Bulbs

Over time, tulip bulbs can multiply and become crowded, leading to fewer blooms. Every 3-5 years, consider digging up the bulbs in late summer or early fall, separating the smaller bulbs (offsets), and replanting them to encourage healthier growth.

Conclusion

Planting tulips in December is a great way to extend the gardening season and ensure a beautiful display of flowers in the spring. Tulips are hardy and can thrive even when planted later in the season, as long as they have well-drained soil and protection from extreme cold.

By following the steps in this guide for soil preparation, planting, and winter care, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning array of tulips that will brighten your garden for years to come. Whether you’re planting classic red tulips or unique varieties with frilled petals, tulips are a timeless addition to any garden.

Find out more things you can grow in December here