When should tulip bulbs be planted?

Tulip bulbs are planted in autumn — but when exactly, and what happens if you're early or late? Here's the short, practical guide.

2 min read

The short answer: September to November

Plant your tulip bulbs once the soil temperature drops below about 10°C — in Denmark that typically means mid-September to late November. The bulbs need to root before the frost, but warm soil encourages fungal disease. Rule of thumb: when the nights are cold and the coats have come out, it's planting time. Running late? Better to get bulbs in the ground in December than to save them for spring — tulips need winter cold to flower.

Planting time

once the soil is below ~10 °C

Depth and spacing

Plant bulbs 2-3 times their own height deep — for most tulips 12-15 cm to the base of the bulb, spaced 8-10 cm apart. Deep planting protects against frost and drying out, and helps perennial-minded varieties return year after year — see which in Perennial tulips. Pointy end up; if in doubt lay the bulb on its side — it will find its own way.

12–15 cm deepMeasured to the base of the bulb — 2–3 times its height.
8–10 cm apartSo they don't compete for nutrients.
Pointy end upNot sure? Lay the bulb on its side.

Soil and position

Tulips demand well-drained soil above all — winter wet is their most common killer. Improve heavy clay with grit or plant on slight mounds. Choose full sun for classic garden tulips; species tulips like the woodland tulip tolerate partial shade. Water thoroughly once after planting, then let winter do its thing.

Pre-ordered bulbs

Order in our pre-order window and we deliver exactly when the bulbs should go in the ground — fresh from the grower. See all tulips, or the early and late tulips. Store them dry and cool if you can't plant the same day, and plant as soon as possible after arrival.